What is Tetracycline/Sumycin used for?

This medicine is used to treat a wide variety of infections caused by certain bacteria. It may occasionally be prescribed for other reasons.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Tetracycline/Sumycin be stored?

Store at room temperature (between 59 and 86 degrees F). Avoid excessive heat. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container.

General drug information:

When should Tetracycline/Sumycin not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications

What precautions should I follow when taking Tetracycline/Sumycin?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have a history of allergies, asthma, hives, or hay fever if you have kidney disease if you are taking birth control pills if you have any other medical condition like liver, kidney or heart disease if you have vision problems if you have headaches

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Tetracycline/Sumycin?

This medicine should not be used during the last half of pregnancy or in children under the age of 8. It may damage developing teeth and cause permanent discoloration.

What are the side effects of Tetracycline/Sumycin?

Most severe:  Infection (fever, chills, sore throat); allergic reaction (rash; hives; swelling).

Most common:  Loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; bulky loose stools; mouth sores; sore throat; black hairy tongue; inflammation or redness of tongue; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness; swelling and itching of the rectum; fever; rash; joint pain; hives; indigestion; blurred vision; sensitivity to sunlight.

Other:  Headache; dizziness; tooth discoloration in children; darkening of nails; nail infection.

How should I take Tetracycline/Sumycin?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. To prevent irritation of the esophagus (food pipe), take each dose of this medicine with a full glass of water or other non-dairy liquid. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after a dose. Avoid taking this medicine with antacids, laxatives, dairy products (eg, milk, cheese), or iron-containing products. If any of these products must be taken, take them at least 2 hours before or after this medicine. Birth control pills may be less effective if you are taking this medicine. Do not give this medicine to children under 8 years of age. It may cause permanent discoloration of their teeth. This medicine has been associated with pseudotumor cerebri (increased blood pressure in the brain). Early signs and symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. If these symptoms develop, stop taking this medicine at once and contact your doctor. Continue to take this medicine until the entire prescribed amount has been taken, even if symptoms of infection have resolved. Failure to take all of the medicine may not completely eliminate the bacteria and may allow the infection to return. Long-term or repeated use of this medicine may cause a second infection. You may need to stop taking this medicine and start another medication to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection (fever, chills, sore throat) occurs. Notify your doctor if redness or flushing of the skin occurs. This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. This medicine may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not use after expiration date. Outdated medicine is highly toxic to the kidneys. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medication. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.