Tetracycline HCl
Generic Name
Tetracycline Hydrochloride 250 mg Capsule
Manufacturer
General Pharmaceutical Company
Country
Global
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| tetracycline h 250 mg capsule | ৳ 1.00 | N/A |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
General dosage: 250-500 mg orally every 6 hours. For specific infections, dosage may vary (e.g., Brucellosis: 500 mg four times daily for 3 weeks, combined with streptomycin).
Elderly
Similar to adult dosage, but caution and dose adjustment may be necessary in elderly patients with impaired renal function.
Renal_impairment
Dose reduction is necessary in patients with renal impairment (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min) to prevent excessive systemic accumulation and possible liver toxicity.
How to Take
Take orally with a full glass of water, preferably on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) to maximize absorption. Avoid taking with milk, dairy products, or antacids, iron preparations, or other mineral supplements within 2-3 hours of tetracycline administration.
Mechanism of Action
Tetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosomal acceptor site (A site). This leads to bacteriostatic activity.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Clinical effects usually seen within 1-2 hours of administration.
Excretion
Primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys via glomerular filtration. Also excreted in bile and feces. Accumulates in patients with impaired renal function.
Half life
Plasma half-life is approximately 6-11 hours in adults with normal renal function.
Absorption
Incompletely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (approx. 60-80%). Absorption is reduced by food, milk, and certain metal ions (calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum). Peak plasma concentrations occur 1-3 hours after oral administration.
Metabolism
Partially metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
- Pregnancy (Category D)
- Lactation
- Children under 8 years of age (due to permanent tooth discoloration and bone growth inhibition)
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment (use with extreme caution)
Drug Interactions
Penicillins
Tetracycline's bacteriostatic action may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins; avoid concomitant use.
Isotretinoin
Increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri; avoid concomitant use.
Methotrexate
May increase methotrexate toxicity by interfering with its excretion.
Oral Contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives; advise backup contraception.
Warfarin and other Anticoagulants
May potentiate anticoagulant effect, requiring closer monitoring of INR.
Antacids (aluminum, calcium, magnesium), Iron preparations, Zinc supplements, Dairy products
Reduced absorption of tetracycline.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially liver or kidney toxicity. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage and adequate hydration. Hemodialysis is not effective in removing tetracycline.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D: Tetracycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-grey-brown) and enamel hypoplasia in the fetus, and reversible inhibition of bone growth. Therefore, it is contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Tetracycline is excreted in breast milk and can cause similar adverse effects in nursing infants. It is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
- Pregnancy (Category D)
- Lactation
- Children under 8 years of age (due to permanent tooth discoloration and bone growth inhibition)
- Severe renal or hepatic impairment (use with extreme caution)
Drug Interactions
Penicillins
Tetracycline's bacteriostatic action may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins; avoid concomitant use.
Isotretinoin
Increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri; avoid concomitant use.
Methotrexate
May increase methotrexate toxicity by interfering with its excretion.
Oral Contraceptives
May reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives; advise backup contraception.
Warfarin and other Anticoagulants
May potentiate anticoagulant effect, requiring closer monitoring of INR.
Antacids (aluminum, calcium, magnesium), Iron preparations, Zinc supplements, Dairy products
Reduced absorption of tetracycline.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially liver or kidney toxicity. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, including gastric lavage and adequate hydration. Hemodialysis is not effective in removing tetracycline.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category D: Tetracycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-grey-brown) and enamel hypoplasia in the fetus, and reversible inhibition of bone growth. Therefore, it is contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Tetracycline is excreted in breast milk and can cause similar adverse effects in nursing infants. It is contraindicated in breastfeeding mothers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
2-3 years from manufacturing date, check specific product packaging.
Availability
Pharmacies, Hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by regulatory authorities worldwide (e.g., FDA, DGDA)
Patent Status
Off-patent
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Tetracycline has been extensively studied since its discovery, with a large body of clinical trial data establishing its efficacy and safety for various bacterial infections. Ongoing research focuses on resistance patterns and new formulations.
Lab Monitoring
- Renal function (BUN, creatinine) in patients with pre-existing impairment or on prolonged therapy
- Hepatic function (ALT, AST) in patients with pre-existing impairment or on prolonged therapy
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) for patients on prolonged therapy
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize patient education regarding drug-food/drug-mineral interactions to ensure optimal absorption.
- Caution patients about photosensitivity and advise protective measures.
- Avoid in pregnant women and children under 8 years due to irreversible side effects on teeth and bones.
- Monitor renal and hepatic function during prolonged therapy, especially in elderly or patients with pre-existing conditions.
Patient Guidelines
- Take the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve.
- Avoid direct sunlight and use protective clothing/sunscreen due to photosensitivity.
- Do not take with dairy products, antacids, or iron supplements. Separate by at least 2-4 hours.
- Take with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking to prevent esophageal irritation.
- Report any severe or persistent diarrhea, as it could be a sign of C. difficile infection.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
Tetracycline may cause dizziness or visual disturbances in some patients. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery or driving until they are reasonably certain that tetracycline does not affect them adversely.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain good hydration throughout the course of treatment.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it may exacerbate liver toxicity.
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