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SENSORY ORGANS › OPHTHALMOLOGICAL AND OTOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS › ANTIINFECTIVES › Antiinfectives
tetracycline
S03AA02
Forms & Strengths
- Oral Capsule: 250 mg, 500 mg
- Ophthalmic Ointment: 1% (10 mg/g)
Adult Dosing
- Systemic Infections: 250 mg to 500 mg orally every 6 hours
- Acne Vulgaris: 500 mg to 1000 mg daily in divided doses
- Ophthalmic Infections: Apply small amount of ointment to affected eye every 2 to 12 hours
Pediatric Dosing
- Children > 8 years: 25 mg/kg/day to 50 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours orally
- Not recommended for children under 8 years of age due to risk of permanent tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia
Indications
- Treatment of infections caused by susceptible gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
- Adjunctive treatment in severe acne vulgaris
- Ocular surface infections and superficial ocular infections
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing access of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
- Children under 8 years of age
- Pregnancy and lactation due to risks of fetal bone growth retardation and tooth discoloration
Adverse Reactions
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric distress
- Photosensitivity and skin rash
- Tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia in developing teeth
- Overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungal superinfections
Drug Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium impair absorption through chelation
- Iron preparations and bismuth subsalicylate decrease oral absorption
- Enhances anticoagulant effect of oral anticoagulants, requiring dosage reduction
- May decrease efficacy of oral contraceptives
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use