Tetracycline

Tetracycline

Tetracycline, a well-known antibiotic, has been a cornerstone in treating various bacterial infections since its discovery. This versatile medication has proven effective against many conditions, from acne to more serious respiratory infections, making it a go-to choice for many doctors. In this blog, let's explore tetracycline's benefits, side effects, and interactions. 

What is Tetracycline?

Tetracycline is an antibiotic belonging to the tetracyclines family of medications. It is widely used to treat a myriad of bacterial infections. Tetracycline was patented in 1953 and approved for prescription use in 1954. Doctors generally prescribe this antibiotic when other antibiotics are ineffective or when patients are allergic to penicillin. These drugs are protein synthesis inhibitors, targeting the bacterial ribosome and preventing the growth and spread of bacteria.

Tetracycline Uses

Tetracyclines, including tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, and tigecycline, are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics used to manage and treat various bacterial infections. The following are some uses of tetracycline:

Bacterial Infections

Tetracyclines are effective against multiple bacterial infections, both gram-positive and gram-negative. Some common infections treated with tetracyclines include:

• Respiratory Infections: Pneumonia and other bacterial respiratory tract infections
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Acne, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, and pyoderma gangrenosum.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections: Chlamydia and syphilis
• Gastrointestinal Infections: Traveller's diarrhoea and amebiasis
• Zoonotic Infections: Brucellosis, leptospirosis, tularemia, and rickettsial infections (e.g., Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis)
• Other Infections: Actinomycosis, nocardiosis, melioidosis, Legionnaires' disease, Whipple's disease, and Borrelia recurrentis infections

Non-Bacterial Conditions

In addition to bacterial infections, tetracyclines are sometimes prescribed for certain non-bacterial conditions, such as:

• Autoimmune Disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, and scleroderma.
• Dermatological Conditions: Bullous dermatoses, Sweet syndrome, pityriasis lichenoides chronica and panniculitis.
• Other Conditions: Kaposi sarcoma, a1-antitrypsin deficiency, and cardiovascular diseases (abdominal aortic aneurysm and acute myocardial infarction).

How to Use Tetracycline

It should be taken with a full glass (eight ounces) of water to prevent irritation of the stomach and food pipe or oesophagus. It is the tube between the throat and stomach) or stomach. 

Most tetracyclines, except doxycycline and minocycline, are best taken on an empty stomach. You can take this drug either one hour before or two hours after meals. However, if the medicine upsets your stomach, your doctor may recommend taking it with food.

Side Effects of Tetracycline Tablet

Like most medications, tetracycline can cause side effects, including:

Gastrointestinal issues

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal discomfort
• Mouth sores
• Black hairy tongue
• Sore throat
• Rectal discomfort
• Dizziness
• Headache

Serious Side Effects: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Nail discolouration
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty or painful swallowing
• Signs of kidney problems (change in urine amount)
• Brown or grey tooth discolouration
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
• Unusual fatigue
• New signs of infection (persistent sore throat, fever, chills)
• Hearing changes (ringing in ears, decreased hearing)
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Signs of liver disease (abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes and skin, dark urine)
• Tetracycline may rarely cause increased pressure around the brain (intracranial hypertension-IH). 
• Severe intestinal infection caused by a bacteria called Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) can occur during or weeks to months after treatment.
• Prolonged or repeated use of tetracycline may cause oral thrush or a yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection)
• Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to tetracycline is possible.

Precautions

Taking certain precautions while using tetracycline is essential to ensure its safe and effective use. Here are some important considerations:

• Children younger than eight should not take tetracycline, as it can cause permanent tooth discolouration and affect growth and bone development.
• Using tetracycline during pregnancy could harm the baby in the womb or cause permanent tooth discolouration later in the baby's life. 
• Tetracycline passes into breast milk and affects bone & tooth development in a nursing baby. Therefore, it is recommended not to take this medication while breastfeeding without consulting a doctor.
• Do not use tetracycline if you are allergic to it or similar antibiotics, such as demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or tigecycline.
• Talk to your doctor if you have any liver or kidney condition, as tetracycline may need to be adjusted or avoided in such cases.
• Protect yourself from excessive exposure to sun or artificial ultraviolet rays (sunlamps or tanning beds) while taking tetracycline, as it can make your skin more sensitive, potentially leading to sunburn.
• If you must be out in the sun, use sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or more and wear protective clothing, including a hat & sunglasses.
• Avoid sun exposure; after stopping tetracycline, you may still be more sensitive to sunlight or sunlamps for several weeks to months. If you experience a severe reaction, consult your doctor.
• Tetracycline can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. 
• Do not take tetracycline after the expiration date on the label has passed, as expired tetracycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in kidney damage.

How Tetracycline Works

Tetracycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial growth and replication without directly killing the bacteria. Its mechanism of action revolves around disrupting protein synthesis within bacterial cells.

Tetracycline specifically inhibits the 30S ribosomal subunit, hindering the binding of the aminoacyl-tRNA to the acceptor (A) site on the mRNA-ribosome complex. When this process halts, a bacterial cell can no longer maintain proper functioning and will be unable to grow or further replicate. This type of impairment by tetracycline makes it bacteriostatic.

Tetracycline may also alter the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria, causing leakage of the contents present in the bacterial cells, such as nucleotides, from the cell.

Can I Take Tetracycline with Other Medicines?

Tetracycline may interact with various approved drugs, nutraceuticals, and even illicit substances, such as:

Drug Interactions: Tetracycline can interact with numerous medications, leading to altered serum levels or excretion rates. Some notable drug interactions include:

• Abacavir
• Abametapir
• Abemaciclib, Acalabrutinib
• Acamprosate

Food Interactions: Certain dietary considerations should be taken into account when taking tetracycline:

• Avoid consuming milk and dairy products, as they can interfere with the absorption & effectiveness of tetracycline.
• Take tetracycline on an empty stomach at least an hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• Consume tetracycline with a full glass of water to prevent irritation of the oesophagus or stomach.

Disease Interactions: Tetracycline may interact with certain medical conditions, potentially exacerbating or complicating their management. 

Dosing Information

The appropriate dosage of tetracycline varies depending on numerous factors, such as the patient's age, weight, medical condition, and the type of infection. Here are some general dosing guidelines for tetracycline:

Adults

For most bacterial infections in adults, the typical dose of tetracycline is:

• 500 mg orally every 6 hours, or
• 1000 mg orally every 12 hours

Conclusion

Tetracycline antibiotics have been a cornerstone in the fight against bacterial infections for decades. Their broad-spectrum effectiveness and versatility in treating various conditions have made them a go-to choice for doctors. From acne to respiratory infections, tetracycline tablets have proven their worth time and again. However, it's crucial to remember that these powerful antibiotics come with potential side effects and interactions that need careful consideration.

FAQ's

1. Is tetracycline safe?

Tetracycline is generally safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor. However, it can cause side effects, some of which may be serious. Common side effects are gastrointestinal conditions, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. More rarely, tetracycline can cause hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and exacerbate pre-existing renal failure (kidney problems).

2. What happens if I overdose?

In case of an overdose of tetracycline, immediate medical attention is required. High doses of tetracycline can result in liver failure and potentially fatal consequences. 

3. What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a tetracycline dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, continue with your regular dosing. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.

4. Can tetracycline treat UTI?

Yes, tetracycline can effectively treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). A study found that a single 2-gram dose of tetracycline cured 75% of women with documented UTIs, comparable to the effectiveness of a multi-dose tetracycline regimen (94% cure rate) and slightly better than a single dose of amoxicillin (54% cure rate).