Omnimycin

Indications

Tetracycline Hydrochloride is an antibiotic. Capsules are used for:

• Acne and rosacea (often as a longer course).
• Chest infections, and some infections such as chlamydia, cholera and brucellosis (with other medicines).
• As part of combination treatment for Helicobacter pylori stomach infection.

Eye ointment is used for bacterial eye infections, including trachoma.

How It Works

Tetracycline stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow, which stops the infection from spreading and lets the body clear it.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults: usually 250 to 500 mg every 6 hours (four times a day), depending on the infection. For acne, commonly 500 mg twice a day for several weeks, as prescribed.
• Eye ointment: apply a small amount inside the lower eyelid two to four times a day, as advised.
• Children under 12 years: capsules are not used, as they can permanently stain growing teeth.

Take capsules on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food, with a full glass of water, while sitting or standing. Do not take just before lying down. Finish the full course.

Interactions

Milk and dairy foods, antacids, and supplements containing calcium, iron, zinc or magnesium greatly reduce absorption; take them at least 2 to 3 hours apart. Tetracycline can increase the effect of Warfarin. Do not take it with Isotretinoin or Acitretin, as together they can raise pressure inside the skull. It may reduce the effect of Penicillin antibiotics.

Contraindications

• Allergy to tetracycline or other tetracycline antibiotics.
• Children under 12 years (capsules).
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (capsules).
• Severe kidney disease.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Side Effects

Common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heartburn, and increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Thrush of the mouth or vagina can occur.

Get urgent medical help for severe or bloody diarrhoea, severe headache with blurred or double vision, pain or difficulty swallowing, chest pain behind the breastbone, yellow skin or eyes, a blistering or peeling rash, or swelling of the face or throat with difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Capsules should not be used in pregnancy, as tetracycline can affect the baby's bones and teeth and may harm the mother's liver. It should be avoided while breastfeeding. Ask a doctor before using eye ointment in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Use with care in kidney or liver disease and myasthenia gravis.
• Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds; use sunscreen.
• Never use tetracycline after its expiry date, as old capsules can damage the kidneys.
• Long use can allow resistant germs or fungi to grow.

Overdose

Overdose mainly causes nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Seek medical advice if a large amount has been taken.

Therapeutic Class

Tetracycline antibiotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.