What is Tetracycline Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tetracycline Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Wesmycin, Wesmycin

Generic Names:

  • Tetracycline Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats infections. This medicine is an antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiulcer, Helicobacter Pylori, Amebicide, Intestinal, Antiacne, Antibiotic, Antiprotozoal

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Tetracycline Hcl come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Tetracycline Hcl doses?

  • Capsule 250MG

  • Capsule 500MG

  • Bottle 5GM of

  • Bottle 25GM of

  • Bottle 1000GM of

Common Tetracycline Hcl prescriptions

  • Tetracycline HCl
    250mg capsule

  • Tetracycline HCl
    500mg capsule

How to take Tetracycline Hcl

  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

  • Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

  • It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tetracycline Hcl

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.

Tetracycline Hcl contraindications

  • You should not use tetracycline if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any tetracycline antibiotic (doxycycline, minocycline). Do not give this medicine to children under 8 years old because it can permanently change tooth color. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Tetracycline Hcl warnings

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

  • Headache, blurred vision

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or liver disease.

Tetracycline Hcl interactions

  • Birth control pills, may not work while you are using tetracycline. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using penicillin, antacids (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®), a blood thinner (Coumadin®), or multivitamins or mineral supplements that contain calcium or magnesium.

  • Avoid taking the medicine with milk or other dairy products.

Tetracycline Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Headache, blurred vision

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing

  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild skin rash

  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite