TETRACYCLINE

Important information about tetracycline

Do not use tetracycline if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby, including permanent discoloration of the teeth later in life. Tetracycline can make birth control pills less effective. Use a second method of birth control while you are taking this medicine to keep from getting pregnant. Tetracycline passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 8 years old. Tetracycline can cause permanent yellowing or graying of the teeth, and it can affect a child's growth.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking tetracycline. These products can make this medicine less effective.

Throw away any unused tetracycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take this medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed. Expired tetracycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.

Tetracycline Pregnancy Warnings
Tetracycline has been assigned to pregnancy category D by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of embryotoxicity and teratogenicity, including toxic effects on skeletal formation. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy, however, congenital defects and maternal hepatotoxicity have been reported. When used during tooth development (second half of pregnancy) tetracyclines may cause permanent yellow-gray-brown discoloration of the teeth and enamel hypoplasia. The use of tetracycline during pregnancy is generally not recommended, especially during the last half of pregnancy.

Tetracycline Breastfeeding Warnings
Tetracycline is excreted into human milk in small amounts. Theoretical risks of dental staining and inhibition of bone growth exist, although are unlikely. In one study, tetracycline levels were undetectable in nursing infants. Tetracycline is considered compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, the manufacturer recommends that because of the risk of serious potential adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to continue breast-feeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Tetracycline side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using tetracycline and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;
• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;
• loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness.

Less serious tetracycline side effects may include:

• sores or swelling in your rectal or genital area;
• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• swollen tongue, trouble swallowing; or
• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.