tetracycline Health Article

• severe headache, dizziness, blurred vision;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• urinating less than usual or not at all;

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, fast heart rate;

• loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

• sores or swelling in your rectal or genital area;

• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset;

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

• swollen tongue, trouble swallowing; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect tetracycline?

Before taking tetracycline, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);

• isotretinoin (Accutane);

• tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A, Vesanoid);

• an antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, and others;

• a product that contains bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol;

• minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or

• a penicillin antibiotic such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, others), penicillin (BeePen-VK, Pen-Vee K, Veetids, others), dicloxacillin (Dynapen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), oxacillin (Bactocill), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with tetracycline. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about tetracycline.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.