Generic Tetracycline

Common use

Tetracycline is used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. It is a tertacycline antibiotic. It slows the growth of sensitive bacteria by interfering with the production of proteins needed by the bacteria to grow. It allows the body's defense mechanisms to destroy them.



Dosage and directions

Take Tetracycline orally on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Take Tetracycline with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Tetracycline. If you also take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; preparations containing bismuth, iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate; or calcium rich foods (eg, milk, dairy products, calcium-enriched juices), do not take them within 2 to 3 hours before or after taking Tetracycline. Check with your doctor if you have questions. To clear up your infection completely, take Tetracycline for the full course of treatment. Keep taking it even if you feel better in a few days.



Precautions

Before using Tetracycline discuss with your doctor all conditions you may have especially the following:

you are have kidney or liver problems, if you have allergy to medicines, foods and other substances, if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding; if you are taking any medicine prescribed or not prescribed, herbal products, or dietary supplements; if you have diarrhea, a stomach infection, or kidney problems.



Contraindications

Do not use Tetracycline if you have allergy to any ingredient of Tetracycline or other tetracycline antibiotics; if you are taking acitretin or methoxyflurane.



Possible side effects

The most common side effects are black hairy tongue; blurred vision; bulky loose stools; diarrhea; difficulty swallowing; fever; headache; hives; hoarseness; indigestion; inflammation or redness of tongue; joint pain; loss of appetite; mouth sores; nausea; rash; sensitivity to sunlight; sore throat; stomach pain; swelling and itching of the rectum.. The severe side effects include allergic reactions such as(rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); itching; nausea; severe skin reaction to the sun; vaginal irritation or discharge; vomiting.



Drug interaction

Tell your doctor about all medicines you may take and especially about the following: atovaquone, lithium, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Tetracycline; acitretin or isotretinoin because side effects, such as increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain, may occur; digoxin, methotrexate, methoxyflurane, or oral anticoagulants (warfarin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Tetracycline.



Missed dose

If you miss a dose of Tetracycline, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once..



Overdose

If you think that you overdosed Tetracycline, seek medical attention at once.



Storage

Store Tetracycline at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Keep away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Tetracycline out of the reach of children and away from pets.



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)