When we get sick, for example, when we have a cough, cold, or fever, when we go to a doctor, we are often prescribed an antibiotic, right? So, do we all know exactly what this medicine is? Today we are going to talk about the tetracyclines , a group of antibiotics that are prescribed to many people and are widely used. Perhaps you have also been prescribed this medicine. Let's take a simple look at this.
Simply put, what are these tetracyclines?
Tetracycline is a class of antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections. Think of the bad bacteria that enter our bodies as an enemy army. What tetracycline does is to control those enemy armies by preventing them from spreading or getting bigger. That is, it stops the bacteria from growing and spreading. This makes it easier for our body's immune system to fight off those bacteria and cure the disease.
Tetracycline class of drugs
There are several types of medications under this category. You may have heard one or two of these names.
- Tetracycline
- Doxycycline ( Doxycycline )
- Minocycline
- Demeclocycline
- Sarecycline
- Omadacycline
- Eravacycline
Of these , doxycycline and minocycline are most commonly used in Sri Lanka.
What diseases is tetracycline used for?
Tetracyclines are a class of drugs that can treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Doctors prescribe them for bacterial infections that can occur anywhere, including our skin, lungs, intestines, and urinary tract.
The table below shows some of the conditions for which tetracyclines are most commonly used.
| Condition | A brief introduction |
|---|---|
| Acne | Especially to control severe acne conditions. |
| Pneumonia and other respiratory infections | For bacterial infections of the lungs. |
| Skin Infections | For various bacterial infections of the skin. |
| Sexually transmitted infections | For diseases like Chlamydia and Syphilis. |
| Tick-borne diseases | Conditions such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. |
| Leptospirosis | It is widely used to treat rat fever. |
In addition, doctors sometimes prescribe this medication for certain non-bacterial conditions. For example, it is sometimes used for the skin condition rosacea and for inflammatory joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis .
How should I use this medicine?
Most tetracycline medications come in pill form. However, they are also available as topical creams and injections. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when you are given this medication.
Your doctor may tell you to take some tetracyclines on an empty stomach. This is because the absorption of this medication can be reduced when taken with food.
And there is another very important thing. When you take this medicine at the same time as things like Calcium, Iron, and Magnesium , the effectiveness of the medicine decreases. Therefore, when you take this medicine,
- Dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese
- Iron supplements
- Types of antacids for stomach inflammation and gastritis
- Some types of multivitamins
If you take these, you should not take them close to the time you take your medicine, but leave a gap of several hours between them. Ask your doctor about this to be sure.
What are the benefits and side effects of tetracycline?
Like any medication, tetracycline can have benefits and minor side effects .
Benefits
These are very useful because they work against a wide range of bacteria. They are also a relatively safe and widely used class of drugs.
Side Effects
Most people don't experience major side effects, but some people may experience these things.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Digestive system problems | Stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. |
| Sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitivity) | This is very important. Some people's skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight when taking this medicine. Even a little exposure to the sun can cause the skin to turn red and blister as if it has been sunburned. Therefore, when taking this medicine , you should apply a good amount of sun-cream, wear long-sleeved clothing, and be careful of the sun . |
| Effects on liver function (Hepatotoxicity) | Conditions such as elevated liver enzymes. |
| Increased pressure inside the skull (Intracranial Hypertension) | Headaches and vision changes may occur. |
Are there any special risks to be aware of with this medicine?
Yes, there are two things in particular that need attention.
1. Tooth Discoloration
This is a very important matter.
- For pregnant women: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Tetracycline can cross the placenta and affect the developing bones and teeth of your unborn baby. It may cause permanent discoloration (yellowing or browning) of your baby's baby teeth.
- For children under 8 years of age: For this reason, doctors do not prescribe this medicine to children under 8 years of age, except in cases of extreme necessity, until the child's permanent teeth begin to grow.
2. Antibiotic Resistance
This is a major health problem in the world today. Simply put, when we use antibiotics all the time, some sneaky bacteria evolve to be resistant to those drugs. Then, giving those bacteria the drugs is useless.
So remember, antibiotics are useless for viral illnesses like the common cold and flu. Using them unnecessarily will only increase antibiotic resistance. Only use antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor, and for the full duration of the course.
Never stop taking the medicine before the doctor has prescribed it, just because you feel a little better. If you do, the bacteria that have not been completely killed may reappear and the illness may become worse.
When do you want to see the doctor again?
If you are taking tetracycline, talk to your doctor in this situation.
- If you have any questions about how to take the medicine.
- If you experience any unpleasant side effects (e.g. severe stomach pain , severe diarrhea ).
- If the pain does not improve after a few days of taking the medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections , not viral infections (like the common cold).
- Be sure to finish the full course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop halfway.
- Ask your doctor for advice about taking dairy foods, iron tablets, and antacids while taking the medication.
- Protect yourself from the sun while taking this medicine. It is very important to use a sun-cream.
- Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to pregnant mothers and children under 8 years of age. Talk to your doctor about this.
- If you experience any problems or discomfort, see your doctor immediately.
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