Tetracycline Hydrochloride

Tetracycline Hydrochloride is a tetracycline antibiotic medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of infections caused by bacteria known or strongly suspected to be susceptible to tetracycline.
• Acne vulgaris when antibiotic treatment is appropriate.
• Certain respiratory, urinary, genital, skin, soft-tissue, intestinal, and eye infections due to susceptible organisms, as directed by a doctor.
• Some specific infections such as chlamydial infections, rickettsial infections, cholera, brucellosis with other medicines, and trachoma, where recommended by local or specialist guidance.

The dose, route, and duration depend on the infection being treated, the dosage form, age, kidney and liver function, and local antibiotic guidance. Oral tetracycline is usually taken in divided doses and should generally be taken with a full glass of water, preferably on an empty stomach, unless the prescriber advises otherwise. Eye or skin preparations should be applied only to the affected area as prescribed. Complete the full prescribed course and do not change the dose or stop early without medical advice.

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite.
• Mouth or throat irritation, oesophageal irritation or ulceration, especially if taken without enough water or just before lying down.
• Photosensitivity, causing sunburn more easily.
• Skin rash, itching, or allergic reactions.
• Vaginal or oral thrush and other overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms.
• Permanent tooth discoloration and effects on bone growth if used during pregnancy or in young children.
• Rare but serious effects include severe allergic reaction, severe skin reactions, liver problems, kidney-related worsening in susceptible patients, raised intracranial pressure with headache or vision changes, and severe or persistent diarrhoea that may indicate antibiotic-associated colitis.

Use Tetracycline Hydrochloride carefully in people with kidney or liver disease, a history of allergy to tetracycline antibiotics, photosensitivity, swallowing problems, or a tendency to oesophageal irritation. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use sun protection. Oral doses should be taken with plenty of water and not immediately before lying down. Do not use leftover antibiotics or share them with others. Use this medicine under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Antacids, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, iron, zinc, bismuth, and sucralfate can reduce absorption of oral tetracycline; separate administration as advised by a clinician.
• Milk and dairy products may reduce absorption of some oral tetracycline preparations.
• Retinoids such as isotretinoin or acitretin may increase the risk of raised intracranial pressure.
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants may have increased effect; monitoring may be needed.
• Methoxyflurane should be avoided because serious kidney toxicity has been reported with tetracyclines.
• Penicillin-type antibiotics may be less effective when used together in some situations; combine only if prescribed.
• Some anti-seizure medicines and other enzyme-inducing drugs may reduce tetracycline levels; the prescriber should review all medicines and supplements.

• Known hypersensitivity to tetracycline, other tetracycline-class antibiotics, or any component of the product.
• Pregnancy, unless a specialist determines there is no safer suitable alternative.
• Children under 8 years of age, except in exceptional situations under specialist advice.
• Significant kidney impairment for systemic tetracycline, unless specifically assessed and prescribed by a specialist.
• Use with methoxyflurane anaesthesia.

Tetracycline Hydrochloride is generally avoided during pregnancy because it can affect fetal bone development and cause permanent discoloration of the child’s teeth. It is also generally avoided during breastfeeding unless a doctor decides that the expected benefit outweighs the risk, because small amounts may pass into breast milk and safer alternatives are often available.

Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not use expired tetracycline products, as degraded tetracycline may be harmful. Follow any specific storage instructions on the product label, especially for eye or skin preparations.