Tetracycline: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Tetracycline is an antibiotic in the tetracycline class, used to treat infections caused by bacteria that are susceptible to it. Its labelled uses include respiratory tract infections, alongside several other bacterial infections and additional treatment for severe acne. Tetracycline requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and generic versions are available.

Tetracycline is used for infections caused by susceptible bacteria, including upper and lower respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and urinary tract infections. The label also includes chlamydial infections affecting the genital tract, rectum or eyes, and infections such as typhus, Q fever, psittacosis, relapsing fever, cholera, tularemia and brucellosis. It may be used as additional treatment for severe acne or intestinal amoebiasis.

When penicillin is contraindicated, labelled alternatives include treatment of syphilis, yaws, gonorrhoea, anthrax, listeria infections and actinomycosis. Selection depends on whether the organism is susceptible. For streptococcal disease, susceptibility must be demonstrated; tetracyclines are not the drugs of choice for staphylococcal infections.

Tetracycline antibiotics interfere with the machinery that bacteria use to make proteins. They bind to bacterial ribosomes, preventing the addition of building blocks needed for new proteins. This mainly slows bacterial growth and multiplication rather than directly killing bacteria.

The effect depends on the bacteria being susceptible to the antibiotic. Resistant bacteria can avoid its effects, so tetracycline is reserved for infections proven or strongly suspected to involve susceptible organisms.

The label lists oral capsules and film-coated tablets in 250 mg and 500 mg strengths. The label lists topical ointment in 30 mg/g and 30 mg/mL strengths, and topical solution and spray in 30 mg/mL strengths. The label lists the usual adult daily dose as 1 gram, given as 500 mg twice a day or 250 mg four times a day.

The label lists 500 mg four times a day for severe infections or infections not responding to smaller doses. The label lists an initial acne dosage of 1 gram daily in divided doses, with maintenance levels ranging from 125 mg to 500 mg daily after improvement. Treatment schedules vary with the infection and clinical circumstances.

The label recommends reducing the total dosage in renal impairment by reducing individual doses or extending the intervals between them. Adequate fluid with capsules is recommended to reduce irritation and ulceration of the oesophagus.

A missed dose can interrupt the regular antibiotic exposure intended by the prescribed course. Standard pharmacy advice is to resume the prescribed schedule, avoiding a double dose to compensate.

If the next dose is close, the missed dose is usually omitted. A pharmacist can clarify the timing for the individual prescription.

The label states that tetracyclines cross the placenta and may harm fetal development, including skeletal development. Use during the last half of pregnancy may also cause permanent tooth discolouration.

Tetracycline should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. The label does not specify breastfeeding data; breastfeeding should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.

The capsule label specifies storage at 20° to 25°C in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure. Keep the medicine in its labelled container and out of the sight and reach of children to maintain quality and safety.