Tetracycline HCl is an antibiotic to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as pneumonia and gastrointestinal infections . In addition, this drug can also be used to treat acne and rosacea.
Tetracycline HCl belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics . This drug works by inhibiting the formation of proteins that are important for bacterial growth. That way, the bacteria cannot multiply and the infection will be more easily handled by the immune system.
The following are diseases caused by bacterial infections that can be treated with tetracycline HCl:
- Respiratory tract infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Lymph node infection
- Skin infection
- Infections of the genitals or sexually transmitted infections , such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia
- Infections transmitted from animals, such as anthrax or brucellosis
Tetracycline HCl can also be used as an alternative drug to treat severe bacterial infections that cannot be treated by penicillin.
Tetracycline is available in capsule form which can be obtained with a doctor's prescription. Apart from that, tetracycline HCl can also be found in ointment preparations (topical tetracycline) whose use is to treat minor skin infections.
Merek dagang tetracycline HCl: Conmycin, Itracycline, Novabiotik, Novacycline, Samtetra, Tetracycline HCl, Tetraholi, Tetrasanbe, Tetrin, Unicyclin, Super Tetra, Soltrain, dan Zenicyclin.
What is Tetracycline HCl
| Group | Antibiotik tetracycline |
| Category | Prescription drug |
| Benefit | Treating bacterial infections |
| Consumed by | Adults and children ≥ 8 years |
| Tetracycline HCl for pregnant and lactating women |
Category D: There is evidence that the ingredients pose a risk to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with a life-threatening situation.
Tetracycline HCl can be absorbed into breast milk and increase the risk of disrupting the baby's bone development. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsules |
Precautions Before Taking Tetracycline HCl
Tetracycline HCl should not be used carelessly. Before taking this drug, pay attention to the following things:
- Do not take tetracycline HCl if you are allergic to it or to other tetracycline drugs, such as minocycline or doxycycline .
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver failure. Tetracycline HCl should not be used in people with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have kidney disease, liver disease, myasthenia gravis , difficulty swallowing, lupus , or a disorder of the esophagus, such as a hiatal hernia or esophagitis .
- Do not give tetracycline HCl to children under 8 years of age without a doctor's advice, because it can cause permanent discoloration of their teeth.
- Tell your doctor if you plan to get vaccinated while using tetracycline HCl, because this medication may inhibit the effectiveness of live bacterial vaccines, such as the typhoid vaccine.
- Do not immediately drive a vehicle or do other activities that require alertness after taking tetracycline HCl, because this drug can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Use contraception during treatment with tetracycline HCl. Consult with your doctor about the most effective birth control for you. If you are already using birth control pills, you should still use a condom when having sex.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking tetracycline HCl while having surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, in anticipation of drug interactions.
- Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or overdose after using tetracycline HCl.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Tetracycline HCl
The dose and duration of tetracycline HCl treatment will be determined by the doctor according to the type of disease and severity of infection, as well as the patient's age and condition. In children, the dose of tetracycline HCl will be adjusted according to their body weight.
The following is a breakdown of the dosage of tetracycline HCl based on its intended use:
Purpose: Treat bacterial infections that are sensitive to tetracycline
- Adult: 250–500 mg taken every 6 hours.
- Children aged ≥ 8 years : 25–50 mg/kgBW consumed every 6 hours.
Purpose : Treating acne ( acne vulgaris ) or rosacea
- Adult: 250–500 mg per day, taken once daily or in small doses. Treatment duration is at least 3 months.
Purpose: Treating brucellosis
- Adult : 500 mg taken 4 times daily, for 3 weeks, in combination with streptomycin
Purpose: Treating gonorrhea , nongonococcal urethritis , or genital infection due to Chlamydia trachomatis
- Adult: 500 mg taken 4 times daily, for 7 days
Purpose: Treat syphilis except neurosyphilis
- Adult : 500 mg taken 4 times daily, for 15–30 days, depending on the patient's condition
Purpose: Treat epididymitis and/or orchitis
- Adult : 500 mg taken 4 times a day, for 10 days.
How to Take Tetracycline HCl Correctly
Follow the doctor 's instructions and read the information on the packaging label before taking tetracycline HCl. Do not increase or decrease your dose, and do not use this medication for longer than the time prescribed by your doctor.
Take tetracycline HCl capsules on an empty stomach, ideally 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the capsule with plenty of water to prevent throat irritation.
Take tetracycline HCl in an upright body position (sitting or standing) and do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking the drug. Avoid taking tetracyline HCl with products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc, bismuth subsalicylate , magnesium, antacids, sucralfate , and dairy products.
The above products may decrease the effectiveness of tetracycline HCl. If you need to consume these products, pause at least 2-3 hours before or after taking tetracyline HCl.
Try to take tetracycline HCl at the same time every day. If you forget to take tetracycline HCl, consume it immediately if it's not close to the next schedule. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Use tetracycline HCl according to the length of treatment prescribed by the doctor even though your symptoms have improved. Stopping the use of tetracycline HCl prematurely can cause the infection to recur and be more difficult to treat.
Tetracycline HCl can make the skin more prone to sunburn. Therefore, use sunscreen and closed clothing when doing outdoor activities during the day. Avoid using UV lamps or tanning the skin.
Get regular health checks if you take tetracycline HCl in the long term. This is done so that the doctor knows the progress of your health condition.
Store tetracycline HCl in a dry and cool place and avoid direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Interaction of Tetracycline HCl with Other Drugs
Tetracyline HCl can cause drug interaction effects when used with certain drugs. The following are drug interactions that can occur:
- Decreased effectiveness of tetracycline HCl when used with antacids , zinc supplements , calcium, iron, sodium bicarbonate , laxatives, sucralfate, colestipol, or colestyramine
- Decreased effectiveness of penicillins and birth control pills
- Increased risk of bruising or bleeding when used with anticoagulants
- Increased levels of lithium or digoxin in the blood thereby increasing the risk of side effects
- Increased risk of side effects from methotrexate or ergotamine
- Increased risk of impaired renal function if used with methoxyflurane or diuretic drugs
- Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used with injectable insulin or sulfonylurea diabetes drugs, such as glibenclamide
- Increased risk of developing pressure in the brain when used with vitamin A or tretinoin
Side Effects and Dangers of Tetracycline HCl
Some of the side effects that may arise after consuming tetracycline HCl include:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea , or loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Sore throat
- Canker sores in the mouth or lips
- The tongue is swollen, black, and hairy
- Discomfort in the rectum or genital area
- Itchy or vaginal discharge
Consult a doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction or the following side effects:
- Fever , chills, and pain in several parts of the body
- Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes ( jaundice )
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- Hearing impairment
- Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
- Visual disturbances, such as blurry or double vision, decreased ability to see, or sudden blindness
- Bloody or mucous diarrhea
- Swollen and painful joints
- Chest pain, heartbeat that is too fast, too slow, or irregular
- Impaired kidney function, which is characterized by a reduced amount of urine