Tetracyclines (Systemic)
Before Using This MedicineIn deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will
do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For tetracyclines, the
following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to any of the tetracyclines or combination medicines containing
a tetracycline. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic
to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. In addition,
if you are going to be given oxytetracycline by injection, tell your doctor
if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to ``caine-type'" anesthetics
(e.g., lidocaine).
Pregnancy - Use is not recommended during the last half of pregnancy.
If tetracyclines are taken during that time, they may cause the unborn infant's
teeth to become discolored and may slow down the growth of the infant's teeth
and bones. In addition, liver problems may occur in pregnant women, especially
those receiving high doses by injection into a vein.
Breast-feeding - Use is not recommended since tetracyclines pass
into breast milk. They may cause the nursing baby's teeth to become discolored
and may slow down the growth of the baby's teeth and bones. They may also
increase the sensitivity of nursing babies" skin to sunlight and cause fungus
infections of the mouth and vagina. In addition, minocycline may cause dizziness,
light-headedness, or unsteadiness in nursing babies.
Children - Tetracyclines may cause permanent discoloration of
teeth and slow down the growth of bones. These medicines should not be given
to children 8 years of age and younger unless directed by the child's doctor.
Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically
in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly
the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects
or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use
of tetracyclines in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking
tetracyclines, it is especially important that your health care professional
know if you are taking any of the following:
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Antacids or
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Calcium supplements such as calcium carbonate or
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Cholestyramine (e.g., Questran) or
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Choline and magnesium salicylates (e.g., Trilisate) or
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Colestipol (e.g., Colestid) or
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Iron-containing medicine or
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Laxatives (magnesium-containing) or
-
Magnesium salicylate (e.g., Magan) - Use of these medicines with
tetracyclines may decrease the effect of tetracyclines
-
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen - Use
of birth control pills with tetracyclines may decrease the effect of the birth
control pills and increase the chance of unwanted pregnancy
-
Penicillins - Use of tetracyclines with penicillins may decrease
the effect of penicillins
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of tetracyclines. Make sure you tell your doctor
if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Diabetes insipidus (water diabetes) - Demeclocycline may make
the condition worse
-
Kidney disease (does not apply to doxycycline or minocycline) - Patients
with kidney disease may have an increased chance of side effects
-
Liver disease - Patients with liver disease may have an increased
chance of side effects if they use doxycycline or minocycline
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