Comprimidos de tetraciclina

Acerca de la tetraciclina

What is tetracycline used for?

Tetracycline is a type of antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections such as chest infections, mouth infections, sexually transmitted infections, and infections resulting from some types of bites.

La tetraciclina también se prescribe para algunas afecciones cutáneas de larga duración, como el acné y la rosácea.

Tetracycline works by stopping bacteria from growing and causing infection.

Side effects of tetracycline

Common side effects of tetracycline are:

• Diarrea.

• Stomach upset.

• Dolor de barriga.

• Dolor de cabeza.

• Visión borrosa.

You will find a full list of the side effects which can be associated with your medicine on the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to manage tetracycline side effects

Who should not take tetracycline?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions. Before starting tetracycline it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia. No debe tomar tetraciclina.

• Si es menor de 12 años. Los niños no deben tomar tetraciclina.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de su hígado, o si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de sus riñones.

• Si padece una enfermedad inflamatoria llamada lupus eritematoso sistémico (también llamado lupus o LES), o si padece una enfermedad que causa debilidad muscular, llamada miastenia grave. La tetraciclina puede empeorar estas enfermedades.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas y complementarios.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

Cómo tomar la tetraciclina

• Read the leaflet inside the pack before starting tetracycline. It explains how the antibiotic works and lists possible side effects.

• Take tetracycline exactly as your doctor tells you to. Check the label for your exact dose and schedule.

  • For infections: usually 3-4 doses per day.

  • For acne or rosacea: usually 2 doses per day.

• Take your doses at the same times each day and space them evenly.

• Take the tablets when your stomach is empty. This means taking your doses one hour before you eat food, or waiting until two hours after you have eaten.

• Avoid milk for 2 hours before and after your dose as it can make the medicine less effective

• Los comprimidos pueden irritar la garganta. Para evitarlo, debe tragar los comprimidos con un gran vaso de agua. Siéntese erguido o póngase de pie para tomar los comprimidos. Evite tomar la tetraciclina justo antes de acostarse o a la hora de dormir.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Treatment usually lasts about a week for infections, or several months for acne or rosacea. Finish the full course unless your doctor says otherwise.

• Check with a pharmacist before taking other medicines, as some can affect tetracycline. Avoid antacids or supplements with iron, magnesium, or zinc at the same time as they reduce its effectiveness. Take them at least 2 hours before or after your dose.

• Antibiotics can sometimes cause thrush (oral or vaginal). If this happens, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

• Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid strong sun and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts.

• Tetracycline can stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working properly. Tell the person giving you any vaccines that you are taking this antibiotic.

Cómo conservar la tetraciclina

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas más frecuentes

How long does it take for tetracycline to work?

For most infections tetracycline starts to work after the first dose, with most people noticing improvements in their symptoms after 2-3 days. For acne it can take 6-8 weeks and for rosacea it may take several weeks to see noticeable results.

Is it safe to take tetracycline during pregnancy?

No, it is not safe to take tetracycline during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester. Tetracycline can affect the development of bones and teeth in a baby.

Can I drink alcohol while taking tetracycline?

You can drink alcohol in moderation while taking tetracycline. Alcohol does not stop tetracycline from working, however it may increase side effects such as stomach upset, dizziness, or feeling unwell. For best results, you should limit alcohol until you finish your course and feel fully recovered.

Why does tetracycline stain teeth?

Tetracycline can stain teeth because it sticks to calcium in developing teeth. Over time, this causes the teeth to change colour, starting yellow, then turning brown or grey as they’re exposed to light. Once this happens, the staining is permanent.

Why can't you take tetracycline before bed?

You should not take tetracycline before bed because lying down straight after taking it increases the chance of it getting stuck, causing irritation and possible inflammation of the throat. You should take it with a full glass of water and stay upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards.