Tetracycline
Also sold as: Achromycin
Prescription neededOther antibiotics
Comes as:CapsuleEye ointment
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Do not take at the same time as milk, antacids or iron. Eye ointment: apply as your doctor directs.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- heartburn
- diarrhoea
- sunburn more easily
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- severe headache with blurred vision
- pain when swallowing
- yellow eyes or skin
- severe allergic reaction
- severe or bloody diarrhoea
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Children under 8 (stains teeth and affects bones)
- Kidney disease
- Severe liver disease
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious1 medicineDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Isotretinoin
Together they can raise pressure inside the skull (severe headache, vision problems); do not combine.
Moderate3 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Aluminium hydroxide + Magnesium hydroxide
Antacids block absorption; leave 2 to 3 hours between them.
- Calcium carbonate
Calcium blocks absorption; leave 2 to 3 hours between them.
- Ferrous sulfate
Iron blocks absorption; leave 2 to 3 hours between them.