Tetracol 500 mg Tablet

Tetracycline antibiotic used for:

• Acne and rosacea (long courses)
• Chest infections, atypical pneumonia, chlamydia, non-gonococcal urethritis
• Rickettsial infections, brucellosis
• Eye/skin ointment (often with polymyxin B or hydrocortisone): eye infections, infected skin lesions

Adults: 250–500 mg four times daily.

• Acne/rosacea: 500 mg twice daily for at least 3 months.

Children over 12 years: adult dose. Not for children under 12 (tooth staining).

Ointment: apply 2–4 times daily.

• Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, sitting/standing up; avoid milk, antacids, iron within 2–3 hours.

• Allergy to tetracyclines
• Children under 12
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Severe kidney impairment
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heartburn, thrush, sun sensitivity.

Less common: oesophageal ulcer (if taken lying down), rash.

Rare but serious: raised intracranial pressure (headache, visual disturbance), liver injury, kidney function worsening, C. difficile colitis, tooth discolouration in children.

• Avoid strong sunlight.
• Do not take expired tablets.
• Kidney or liver disease: avoid or reduce dose.

Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding (teeth and bone effects in the baby).

• Antacids, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, milk (reduce absorption)
• Isotretinoin, retinoids (intracranial hypertension)
• Warfarin (bleeding)
• Penicillins (reduced effect)
• Oral contraceptives (diarrhoea may reduce effect)

Gastrointestinal upset. Supportive care.

Store below 30°C, dry, protected from light. Do not use after expiry.