Question

Read Case Study #1 and answer all of the following questions. Which precautions should be explained to AB about the use of tetracycline class medications? Are there any interactions that would require AB to take tetracycline separate from food or beverages? Are there any interactions between AB's current medications and tetracycline?

Answer 1

Tetracycline is useful in the treatment of a wide variety of infections like acne. It has mainly a bacteriostatic activity.

Tetracycline is more effective when taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Each dose must be taken with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 millilitres) unless there is doctors order to take otherwise. Avoid lying down for at least 10 minutes after taking the medication, try to avoid taking it right before bedtime. In case of stomach upset inform the physician.

Take tetracycline medications 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminium, or calcium like antacids, quinapril, certain forms of didanosine, vitamins/minerals, and sucralfate.

Avoid intake of tetracycline along with dairy products (e.g., milk, yoghurt), calcium-enriched juice, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc as these products bind with tetracycline, preventing its full absorption. Consume the above-mentioned foods 2-3 hours before or after taking tetracycline.

Take medications at evenly spaced times for the best effect. Complete the prescribed dose even though the symptoms disappear to avoid the relapse of the infection.

Inform about any unusual or allergic reaction to medicines in the tetracycline group or any other medicines.

Inform the health care professional about any other types of allergies, such as to foods dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Use the medications within the expiry date.

Take the missed doses of medicine as soon as possible or if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule. Avoid double doses.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light and avoid freezing.

Use additional means of birth control while taking tetracyclines as the oral contraceptives containing estrogen may not work properly if taken with tetracyclines. Inform the doctor or dentist in charge of taking tetracycline before having surgery with a general anaesthetic.

Tetracyclines may cause the skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normal especially when taken along with topical tretinoin. To minimize the effects avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Make sure to use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Avoid start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with the physician first. Try to stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible and use protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.