Generic
Tetracycline Hydrochloride
37 brands available in the market
At a glance
Tetracycline Hydrochloride is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for Chlamydia, Rickettsia, Mycoplasma, Brucella, and other bacterial infections. It inhibits protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.
Description
Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that reversibly binds to the 30S subunit of the ribosome, preventing protein synthesis and arresting cell growth. It is active against Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Rickettsia, spirochetes, many aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and some protozoa.
Indications
- Brucellosis
- Chlamydial infections (psittacosis, LGV, trachoma)
- Rickettsial infections (typhus, Q-fever)
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Cholera, plague, tularemia
- Gonorrhea, syphilis (2nd/3rd line)
- Acute intestinal amoebiasis (adjunct)
- Severe acne vulgaris
- H. pylori eradication (adjunct)
Therapeutic class
Tetracycline Group Drugs
Pharmacological class
Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic (Tetracycline)
Pharmacology
Tetracycline binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis and arresting bacterial growth.
Mechanism of action
Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- General infections: 250-500 mg every 6 hours; max 4 g/day
- Brucellosis: 500 mg every 6 hours for 3 weeks + streptomycin
- Gonorrhea: 1.5 g initial; then 500 mg every 6 hours for 4 days – total 9 g
- Syphilis: 500 mg every 6 hours for 15 days; >1 year: 30 days
- Cholera: 500 mg every 6 hours for 3 days
- Acne: 250-500 mg/day (divided) for at least 3 months
- Hepatic impairment: max 1 g/day
Pediatric Dose (>12 years):
- 25-50 mg/kg/day (every 6 hours); max 3 g/day
Administration
- Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after meals)
- Take with plenty of water
- Take at the same time each day
- Complete the full course as prescribed
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Glossitis, stomatitis, vaginitis
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Photosensitivity
- Bulging fontanelles (infants), benign intracranial hypertension
Serious (Rare):
- Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia
- Anaphylaxis, pericarditis
- Exacerbation of SLE
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in pregnancy, lactation, or children under 12 years
- Caution in renal impairment (dose adjustment needed)
- Avoid excessive sun exposure (photosensitivity)
- Maintain 2-hour interval with antacids and dairy products
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracycline
- Pregnancy, lactation
- Children under 12 years
- Renal insufficiency
Drug interactions
- Divalent/trivalent cations (Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Zn): Reduced absorption; 2-hour interval
- Penicillin: Interferes with bactericidal action
- Anticoagulants: Potentiated effect
- Oral contraceptives: Decreased efficacy
- Methoxyflurane: Fatal renal toxicity (potentially fatal)
- Vitamin A/retinoids: Increased benign intracranial HTN risk
Food interactions
Alcohol is safe with Tetracycline Hydrochloride.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe; evidence of fetal risk; use only in life-threatening situations; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; short-term use has low milk levels; prolonged/repeated use may cause dental staining or bone deposition in infant; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Not recommended for children under 12 years
Geriatric use
Elderly: Caution required (possibility of accumulation)
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: CrCl 50-80: every 8-12 hours; CrCl 10-50: every 12-24 hours; CrCl <10: every 24 hours; do not use in severe kidney disease; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed (max 1 g/day); consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause nausea, diarrhea, liver toxicity; provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Tetracycline Hydrochloride