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tetracycline

S02AA08

Forms & Strengths

Oral Capsule: 250 mg
Oral Capsule: 500 mg

Adult Dosing

General infections: 250 mg to 500 mg orally every 6 hours
Severe infections: 500 mg orally every 6 hours
Acne vulgaris: 500 mg to 1000 mg daily in divided doses

Pediatric Dosing

Children > 8 years: 25 mg/kg/day to 50 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours
Contraindicated in children < 8 years due to tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia

Indications

Infections caused by susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Rickettsial infections
Chlamydial infections
Adjunctive treatment in severe acne vulgaris

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit
Prevents access of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
Children under 8 years of age
Pregnancy and lactation
Severe hepatic impairment

Adverse Reactions

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric distress
Photosensitivity reactions
Tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia in pediatric patients
Bone growth retardation in infants
Superinfections including candidiasis and C. difficile-associated diarrhea

Drug Interactions

Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium decrease absorption
Iron preparations and bismuth subsalicylate decrease absorption
May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin
Decreases efficacy of oral contraceptives
May increase serum concentrations of digoxin or lithium

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use