Uses
Tetracycline is used as treatment for numerous bacterial infections, including, but not limited to infection of the urinary tract, Chlamydia, acne, and gonorrhea.

How to take Tetracycline
Tetracycline comes in tablet form. The normal daily dose of the drug is one to two grams. The physician has the option of increasing the dosage in cases of more severe infections. The medication is taken an hour before, or two hours after a meal, on an empty stomach. Tetracycline is taken with water, and not with milk or dairy products, unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Drug intake must be continued for up to 48 hours of dissipation of symptoms to obtain full benefit.

Side effects
Probable side effects include inflammatory lesions within the anogenital area, anorexia, enterocolitis, epigastric distress, hoarseness, nausea, dysphagia, vomiting, black hairy tongue, diarrhea, glossitis, bulky loose stools, a sore throat, and stomatitis.

Drug precautions
Potential users should first consult with their doctor before taking Tetracycline, as they may be hypersensitive to the medicine. Taking Tetracycline without any presence of proven or suspected form of either a bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is not likely to cause any benefit; it may even increase the risks for development of bacteria which are resistant to the drug.

Drug interactions
Drugs which can affect the potency of Tetracycline include cholestyramine and colestipol; amoxicillin, oxacillin, penicillin, carbenicillin, and dicloxacillin; isotretinoin; warfarin; over-the-counter supplements of vitamins and minerals; tretinoin; antacids; and products which contain bismuth subsalicylate.

Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose may include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If the user experiences these symptoms, seek immediate medical help.

Missed dose
In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as it is remembered. But if the next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose altogether and continue the intake as indicated on schedule. Avoid taking extra medication in order to make up for the missed dose. Take note that if the dose is skipped or the course of the therapy is not fulfilled, the efficiency of immediate treatment is reduced. There also exists a chance for the bacteria to develop a resistance against Tetracycline or any other antibacterial drug in the future, consequently making it difficult to deal with.

Storage
Store Tetracycline tablets within room temperature, in sealed and light-resistant containers, and away from too much heat.