Antibiotics are drugs prescribed for stopping bacterial infections. Meds of this genre may either inhibit the progression of bacteria or kill infectious strands. These meds cannot however stop viral infections. In other words, these have limited capabilities to treat infectious conditions like common cold, flu, etc. Similarly, antibiotics are not effective for fungal or yeast infections, and antifungal meds are used instead. Tetracycline is an orally-administered antibiotic drug. It belongs to a sub-genre called tetracyclines. Do you know what are the side effects of tetracycline? It is helpful to know more on this.

Tetracyclines are a class of antibiotic meds. These are grouped as broad-spectrum antibiotics. This name stems from their four (‘tetra’) hydrocarbon-rings (‘cycl’). In 1940s, these antibiotics were made available for use. They gained popularity due to their properties to treat both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strands.

Tetracyclines are not known for their bactericidal properties; these meds are essentially bacteriostatic drugs. The key chemicals of tetracyclines inhibit further growth of bacteria. This drug is known to halt synthesis of proteins. This process leads to stopping further growth of the microbial strand.

What is tetracycline?

As the name indicates, this antibiotic drug belongs to the genre of tetracyclines. This drug received it patent and was launched for medical use in the mid-1950s. World Health Organization (WHO) has listed this med as one of the essential meds. You can buy this med as a generic medication. As mentioned, this drug stops translation of proteins in microbes. In essence, it blocks the formation of peptide-based chains. These actions disrupt repair of the microbe (at a cellular level) and inhibits further growth.

This antibiotic is used for treating a wide range of conditions like cholera, plague, syphilis, malarial infections and skin conditions like acne. Tetracycline is found effective against strands of both aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria.

What are the side effects of tetracycline?

Foremost of all, those who have prior allergies to tetracycline must avoid using this antibiotic. Allergies can show up as inflammation of oral organs, breathing difficulties such as gasping or wheezing, formation of hives, etc.

Tetracycline can have an adverse impact on bones and teeth – especially among children aged under 8 years. Beware of permanent discoloration of teeth and impairment of bone health. Owing to these risks, it is a safe practice to adhere to the medication plan prescribed by your treating physician.

Users of tetracycline have also reported of a few common side effects. These include gastric problems such as vomiting, nausea, discharge of loose stools as well as pin in the lower party of your abdomen. Most of these common side effects may not last for long. However, if you see them to persist for more than 3 – 4 days’ time, consult with your caregiving team without much delay.

You may need to avoid tetracycline if your sensitive to sun’s rays. One of the adverse effects of tetracycline is development of photosensitivity. This drug may also trigger intestinal discomforts owing to a strand called C. difficile. It may show up several weeks after discontinuing the use of tetracycline. If you are witnessing non-stop spells of diarrhea or cramping of abdominal muscles, talk to your doctor as quickly as possible.

Those who took tetracycline repeatedly and / or a longer duration are likely to develop yeast-based infections. These are also known as white patches or thrush. So, if you see discoloration of tongue or and altered discharge from your vaginal tract, seek medical help immediately. If you are in the US, call 911. On the other hand, users in Canada must reach out to a poison management cell on a top priority mode.

Lastly, this drug is not an over the counter (OTC) med. It needs to be always used as per the directions of your treating doctor. Above all, if you need added information on what are the side effects of tetracycline, consult with your caregiver.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.