Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a widely used oral antibiotic that has been commercially available since the late 1970s. It is used to treat all sorts of infection, ranging from acne to syphilis, and works by inhibiting protein production in bacteria. While tetracyclines originally were effective against most types of bacteria, acquired antibiotic resistance has adversely affected the efficacy of tetracyclines and has become common. However, tetracycline is still effective against several specific pathogens and infections, including chlamydia, Lyme Disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and is also used against parasitic infections and peptic ulcers. Tetracycline is also used as a biomarker, as it is absorbed into the bone and appears fluorescent once absorbed; this has a variety of applications in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Recent clinical innovations even involve the use of tetracycline to control the population of a specific species of disease-bearing mosquitos. Clearly, tetracycline is a valuable substance that has served significant purposes throughout history.

The broader family of tetracyclines was discovered in 1948 and was first prescribed, and also patented, shortly after its discovery. It now appears on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines and is available as a generic medicine, though the price of tetracycline has increased in more recent years. It is also marketed under different brand names, including Sumycin and Panmycin, and it is available in a fibrous formulation, called Actisite, that can be placed into tight areas within the mouth to provide antibiotic benefit in dental applications.

While effective in many different contexts, tetracycline is not without its drawbacks. Side effects that may occur include diarrhea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and the appearance of a rash. If used by younger children, tetracycline can cause the teeth to develop poorly, and it may also contribute to kidney problems and sun sensitivity; sun exposure while using tetracycline can increase both the risk and the severity of sunburn. It is not recommended for pregnant women, as use during pregnancy may adversely affect fetal bone growth. It is also not recommended for use in the long term with women who are breastfeeding, though shorter-term use is safe. Longer-term use of tetracycline can discolor the permanent teeth, depending on the age of the patient using it and the duration of its use. In some cases, when used as a treatment for children, it can cause discoloration of the teeth, even if only used over the short term.

Tetracycline should not be taken with any dairy products, as calcium can inactivate it. It can also be inactivated by aluminum, iron, and zinc, which means it should not be taken along with heartburn medicines or antacids, as these medications often contain the aforementioned ions. Tetracycline use can contribute to drug-induced lupus and hepatitis, and it can also cause fatty liver and tinnitus. It may interfere with some chemotherapy treatments, and it can also cause allergic reactions that lead to breathing complications. Expired tetracyclines should be discarded, as ingesting these could cause Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disorder that affects the resorption of a variety of important substances.