Description Tetracyclines are used to treat infections and to help control acne. Demeclocycline, doxycycline, and minocycline also may be used for other problems as determined by your doctor. Tetracyclines will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Tetracyclines are available only with your doctor's prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, tetracyclines are used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Lyme disease (for doxycycline and tetracycline)
Malaria treatment (for doxycycline and tetracycline)
Nocardiosis (a type of bacterial infection) (for doxycycline and minocycline)
Ocular rosacea (a type of eye infection) (for doxycycline and tetracycline)
Pneumothorax (a pocket of air in the space surrounding the lungs) (for doxycycline
Shigellosis (a type of intestinal infection) (for doxycycline and tetracycline)
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) (for demeclocycline)
For patients taking this medicine for SIADH:
Some doctors may prescribe demeclocycline for certain patients who retain (keep)
more body water than usual. Although demeclocycline works like a diuretic (water pill) in these patients, it will not work that way in other patients who may need a diuretic.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in this group or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Tetracyclines may cause permanent discoloration of teeth and slow down the growth of bones. These medicines should not be given to children 8 years of age and younger unless directed by the child's doctor.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of tetracyclines in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Pregnancy
Use is not recommended during the last half of pregnancy. If tetracyclines are taken during that time, they may cause the unborn infant's teeth to become discolored and may
slow down the growth of the infant's teeth and bones. In addition, liver problems may occur in pregnant women, especially those receiving high doses by injection into a vein.
Breastfeeding
Use is not recommended since tetracyclines pass into breast milk. They may cause the nursing baby's teeth to become discolored and may slow down the growth of the baby's teeth and bones. They may also increase the sensitivity of nursing babies' skin to sunlight and cause fungus infections of the mouth and vagina. In addition, minocycline may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or unsteadiness in nursing babies.
Drug Interactions
Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of medicines in this class. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Diabetes insipidus (water diabetes)—Demeclocycline may make the condition
Kidney disease (does not apply to doxycycline or minocycline)—Patients with
kidney disease may have an increased chance of side effects.
Liver disease—Patients with liver disease may have an increased chance of side
effects if they use doxycycline or minocycline.
Do not give tetracyclines to infants or children 8 years of age and younger unless directed by your doctor. Tetracyclines may cause permanently discolored teeth and other problems in patients in these age groups.
Tetracyclines should be taken with a full glass (8 ounces) of water to prevent irritation of the esophagus (tube between the throat and stomach) or stomach. In addition, most tetracyclines (except doxycycline and minocycline) are best taken on an empty stomach (either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals). However, if this medicine upsets your stomach, your doctor may want you to take it with food.
Do not take milk, milk formulas, or other dairy products within 1 to 2 hours of the time you take tetracyclines (except doxycycline and minocycline) by mouth. They may keep this medicine from working properly.
If this medicine has changed color or tastes or looks different, has become outdated (old), or has been stored incorrectly (too warm or too damp area or place), do not use it. To do so may cause serious side effects. Throw away the medicine. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
For patients taking the oral liquid form of this medicine:
Use a specially marked measuring spoon or other device to measure each dose
accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
Do not use after the expiration date on the label since the medicine may not work
properly after that date. Check with your pharmacist if you have any questions about this.
For patients taking doxycycline or minocycline:
These medicines may be taken with food or milk if they upset your stomach.
Swallow the capsule (with enteric-coated pellets) form of doxycycline whole. Do
To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. If you stop taking this medicine too soon, your symptoms may return.
This medicine works best when there is a constant amount in the blood or urine. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at evenly spaced times day and night. For example, if you are to take four doses a day, the doses should be spaced about 6 hours apart. If this interferes with your sleep or other
daily activities, or if you need help in planning the best times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.
The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
For demeclocycline
Adults and teenagers—150 milligrams (mg) every six hours; or
300 mg every twelve hours. Gonorrhea is treated with 600 mg on the first day, then 300
Children older than 8 years of age—Dose is based on body weight.
The usual dose is 1.65 to 3.3 mg per kilogram (kg) (0.8 to 1.5 mg per pound) of body weight every six hours; or 3.3 to 6.6 mg per kg (1.5 to 3 mg per pound) of body weight
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines
usually are not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth.
For doxycycline
For oral dosage forms (capsules, suspension, and tablets):
Adults and children older than 8 years of age who weigh more than
45 kilograms (kg) (99 pounds)—100 milligrams (mg) every twelve hours the first day, then 100 mg once a day or 50 to 100 mg every twelve hours.
Children older than 8 years of age who weigh 45 kg (99 pounds) or
less—Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 2.2 mg per kg (1 mg per pound) of body weight two times a day on the first day, then 2.2 to 4.4 mg per kg (1 to 2 mg per pound) of body weight once a day or 1.1 to 2.2 mg per kg (0.5 to 1 mg per pound) of body weight twice a day.
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines are
usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth.
Adults and teenagers—100 mg once a day. You should take the
first dose one or two days before travel to an area where malaria may occur, and continue taking the medicine every day throughout travel and for four weeks after you leave the malarious area.
Children older than 8 years of age—Dose is based on body weight.
The usual dose is 2 mg per kg (0.9 mg per pound) of body weight once a day. You should take the first dose one or two days before travel to an area where malaria may occur, and continue taking the medicine every day throughout travel and for four weeks after you leave the malarious area.
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines are
usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth.
Adults and children older than 8 years of age who weigh more than
45 kg of body weight (99 pounds)—200 mg injected slowly into a vein once a day; or 100 mg injected slowly into a vein every twelve hours the first day, then 100 to 200 mg injected slowly into a vein once a day or 50 to 100 mg injected slowly into a vein every twelve hours.
Children older than 8 years of age who weigh 45 kg of body weight
(99 pounds) or less—Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 4.4 mg per kg (2 mg per pound) of body weight injected slowly into a vein once a day; or 2.2 mg per kg (1 mg per pound) of body weight injected slowly into a vein every twelve hours the first day, then 2.2 to 4.4 mg per kg (1 to 2 mg per pound) of body weight once a day, or 1.1 to 2.2 per kg (0.5 to 1 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours.
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines are
usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth. For minocycline
For oral dosage forms (capsules and suspension):
Adults and teenagers—200 milligrams (mg) at first, then 100 mg
every twelve hours; or 100 to 200 mg at first, then 50 mg every six hours.
Children older than 8 years of age—Dose is based on body weight.
The usual dose is 4 mg per kilogram (kg) (1.8 mg per pound) of body weight at first, then 2 mg per kg (0.9 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours.
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines are
usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth.
Adults and teenagers—200 mg at first, then 100 mg every twelve
Children older than 8 years of age—Dose is based on body weight.
The usual dose is 4 mg per kg (1.8 mg per pound) of body weight at first, then 2 mg per kg (0.9 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours, injected slowly into a vein.
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines are
usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth. For oxytetracycline
Adults and teenagers—250 to 500 milligrams (mg) every six hours.
Children older than 8 years of age—Dose is based on body weight.
The usual dose is 6.25 to 12.5 mg per kilogram (kg) (2.8 to 5.7 mg per pound) of body weight every six hours.
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines are
usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth.
Adults and teenagers—100 mg every eight hours; or 150 mg every
twelve hours; or 250 mg once a day, injected into a muscle.
Children older than 8 years of age—Dose is based on body weight.
The usual dose is 5 to 8.3 mg per kg (2.3 to 3.8 mg per pound) of body weight every eight hours; or 7.5 to 12.5 mg per kg (3.4 to 5.7 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours, injected into a muscle.
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines are
usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth. For tetracycline
For oral dosage forms (capsules and suspension):
Adults and teenagers—250 to 500 milligrams (mg) every six hours;
or 500 mg to 1 gram every twelve hours. Gonorrhea is treated with 1.5 grams as the first dose, then 500 mg every six hours for four days.
Children older than 8 years of age—Dose is based on body weight.
The usual dose is 6.25 to 12.5 mg per kilogram (kg) (2.8 to 5.7 mg per pound) of body
weight every six hours; or 12.5 to 25 mg per kg (5.7 to 11.4 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours.
Infants and children 8 years of age and younger—Tetracyclines are
usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth. Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days (or a few weeks or months for acne patients), or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen may not work properly if you take them while you are taking tetracyclines. Unplanned pregnancies may occur. You should use a different or additional means of birth control while you are taking tetracyclines. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
Before having surgery (including dental surgery) with a general anesthetic, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking a tetracycline. This does not apply to doxycycline, however.
Tetracyclines may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:
Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00
Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
You may still be more sensitive to sunlight or sunlamps for 2 weeks to several months or more after stopping this medicine. If you have a severe reaction, check with your doctor.
Minocycline may also cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, or
unsteady. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
For all tetracyclinesMore common
Increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight (rare with minocycline)
Bulging fontanel (soft spot on head) of infants
For demeclocycline onlyLess common
Greatly increased frequency of urination or amount of urine
For minocycline onlyLess common
Pigmentation (darker color or discoloration) of skin and mucous membranes
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
For all tetracyclinesMore common Less common
Itching of the rectal or genital (sex organ) areas
For minocycline onlyMore common
Dizziness, light-headedness, or unsteadiness
In some patients tetracyclines may cause the tongue to become darkened or discolored. This effect is only temporary and will go away when you stop taking this medicine.
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Reference :
Patient Group Direction For The Supply Of Doxycycline For The Prophylaxis Of Malaria By Nurses Working In Occupational Health And Pharmacists Working Within NHS Grampian Co-ordinators: Consultation Group : Approver: Directorate Signature: Signature: Identifier: Review Date: Date Approved: A Patient Group Direction is a specific written ins
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office Juvenile Crossover Children’s Program FY 2007-2008 Status Report A. INTRODUCTION – THE CASE OF TWELVE-YEAR-OLD M.D.B. M.D.B entered the foster care system six months prior to the hearing on the revocation of probation at the age of twelve having been removed from his mother’s care for neglect based on a lack of food and shelter. Pr