Tetracycline skin ointment
What is tetracycline skin ointment?
TETRACYCLINE (Achromycin®) is an antibiotic. Tetracycline ointment stops the growth of certain bacteria that cause skin infections from minor cuts, burns, and wounds. Generic tetracycline skin ointment is not available.
What should my health care professional know before I use tetracycline?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- an unusual or allergic reaction to tetracycline antibiotics, sulfites, other foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Tetracycline skin ointment is only for external use on the skin. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Wash the affected area with soap and water, rinse well and pat dry. Apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area as often as prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional. You can cover the area with a sterile gauze dressing (bandage). Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with tetracycline?
- other antibiotic medicines
Do not use corticosteroid skin products (such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone and prednisolone) at the same time as this medicine as they can cover up problems. Do not use any other skin products without telling your prescriber or health care professional. Check before starting or stopping any of your medicines or non-prescription products.
What side effects may I notice from using tetracycline?
Side effects with tetracycline skin products are rare. They include:
- skin redness, swelling, pain, blistering or peeling
What should I watch for while taking tetracycline?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your skin does not improve in 2 weeks.
Do not get the ointment in your eyes; if you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.
Do not use this medicine on deep wounds, or serious burns.
This medicine can color your skin yellow. This color will wash off with soap and water, but you should leave the medicine on the skin as long as you can. This yellow color will look worse under ultraviolet light. If you are going to a disco where they use this kind of light, either wash off the medicine before you go, or apply afterwards.
Keep the ointment off your clothes; it can stain them.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F); do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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