Tetracycline

Tetracycline is an antibiotic that works by eliminating acne bacteria.  Tetracycline is administered as a capsule or tablet.  Oral tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, approximately one hour before or two hours after a meal.

Before taking tetracycline:

• Make sure you do not have an allergy to doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline or sulfites.
• Always tell your acne physician and pharmacist which prescription and nonprescription medications, if any, you are taking before taking tetracycline.  Taking antacids, anticoagulants (blood thinners), penicillin and vitamins at the same time as tetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of tetracycline.
• It is very important to let your physician know if you have or have ever had diabetes or kidney or liver/disease before taking tetracycline.
• If you are pregnant, attempting to get pregnant or breastfeeding, let your doctor know before takig tetracycline.  Call your acne physician immediately if you become pregnant while taking tetracycline, it can harm the fetus.
• Tetracycline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.  Avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

• If you have diabetes, taking tetracycline causes false results in some tests for sugar in the urine.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects from tetracycline are relatively uncommon, but they can occur.

• Some patients on tetracycline may experience an upset stomach and/or diarrhea.
• Itching of the rectum or vagina can occur when using tetracycline.
• A sore mouth may occur as a result of taking tetracycline.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes while taking tetracycline tablets or capsules may occur.