Tetracycline

(Survival Manual/ 6. Medical/ d) Medicine & Supplement/ Tetracycline)

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http://www.medicinenet.com/tetracycline/article.htm
http://www.drugs.com/tetracycline.html

 Brand names: Sumycin, Ala-Tet, Brodspec, Emtet-500,Ornacycline, Panmycin, Robitet 500, Sumycin, Tetra 500, Tetracap, Tetracon

 DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Tetracycline, is a broad spectrum antibiotic, used to treat bacterial infections, including: Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and other respiratory tract infections; acne; skin infections, genital and urinary systems; and the infection that causes stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori). It also may be used as an alternative to other medications for the treatment of Lyme disease and for the treatment and prevention of anthrax (after inhalational exposure). It is first-line therapy for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Rickettsia), Q fever (Coxiella), psittacosis and lymphogranuloma venereum (Chlamydia), and to eradicate nasal carriage of meningococci. Tetracycline tablets were used in the plague outbreak in India in 1992. Tetracycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics, which work by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. The first drug of the tetracycline family, chlortetracycline, was introduced in 1948.

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 250 and 500mg; Oral Suspension: 125 mg/5 ml (teaspoon).

STORAGE: Tetracycline should be stored at room temperature (below 86 F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Tetracycline is used for treating several types of infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Some examples include infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin. It also is prescribed for nongonococcal urethritis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus, chancroid, cholera, brucellosis, anthrax, syphilis, and acne. It is used in combination with other medications to treat Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria associated with ulcers and inflammation of the stomach and duodenum.

DOSING: Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least two hours before or after meals or snacks. Do not take tetracycline with food, especially dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. For most infections, tetracycline is taken two to four times daily for 7 to 14 days. The usual adult dose is 1-2 g/day in 2 or 4 divided doses. Drink a full glass of water with each dose of tetracycline. [translated into milligrams, 1000-2000mg/day, 4 each 250 mg or 2 ea 500 mg-lfp]

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tetracycline should not be taken at the same time as aluminum, magnesium, or calcium-based antacids (Mylanta, Maalox), calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids)]; iron supplements; bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), and dairy products. These agents bind tetracycline in the intestine and reduce its absorption into the body.
Tetracycline may enhance the activity of the blood thinner, warfarin (Coumadin), and result in excessive “thinning” of the blood, necessitating a reduction in the dose of warfarin. Phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and barbiturates (such as phenobarbital) may enhance the elimination of tetracycline. Tetracycline may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

PREGNANCY: Tetracycline antibiotics can impair development of bone in the fetus. Therefore, tetracycline is not recommended during pregnancy unless there is no other appropriate antibiotic.

NURSING MOTHERS: Tetracycline is secreted into breast milk. Since tetracycline can impair the development of bone in infants, nursing mothers should not use tetracycline.

SIDE EFFECTS: Tetracycline is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, rash, and vomiting. Headache and dizziness may also occur. Tetracycline may cause discoloration of teeth if used in patients below 8 years of age. Exaggerated sunburn can occur with tetracycline (photosensitivity). Therefore, sunlight or sunlamp exposure should be minimized during treatment.

 What side effects can this medication cause?
Tetracycline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
•  upset stomach
•  diarrhea
•  itching of the rectum or vagina
•  sore mouth
•  redness of the skin (sunburn)
•  changes in skin color

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
•  severe headache
•  blurred vision
•  skin rash
•  hives
•  difficulty breathing or swallowing
•  yellowing of the skin or eyes
•  itching
•  dark-colored urine
•  light-colored bowel movements
•  loss of appetite
•  upset stomach
•  vomiting
•  stomach pain
•  extreme tiredness or weakness
•  confusion
•  joint stiffness or swelling
•  unusual bleeding or bruising
•  decreased urination
•  pain or discomfort in the mouth
•  throat sores
•  fever or chills

What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet. 

What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

 Brand names
•  Ala-Tet
•  Brodspec
•  Emtet-500
•  Ornacycline
•  Panmycin
•  Robitet 500
•  Sumycin
•  Tetra 500
•  Tetra brand of tetracycline
•  Tetracap
•  Tetracon

B.  Fish Cycline
AMAZON.COM: Fish Cycline (Tetracycline 250 mg) – 100 Caps, $13.79  + free Shipping
by Thomas Laboratories

Product Features
•  Exerts bacterial action on gram-positive
•  And some gram-negative bacteria
•  For ornamental and acquarium fish only

Product Description
Non-prescription tetracycline labeled for fish or aquarium use for the control of common bacterial infections. Each capsule contains 250 mg tetracycline. Directions: Add contents of capsule to aquarium water at the rate of 1 per 10 gals. Repeat in 24 hours. Continue treatment for 5-10 days.

[Read as: 10 gallons water per 250mg tetracycline * 8.3 pounds water per gallon water =83 pounds of water per 250mg Amoxicillin or 500mg Amoxicillin per 166 lbs body weight.]
BE CAREFUL WITH TETRACYCLINE! Make sure you know the expiration date and mark it down on EVERY bottle you store it in. After it expires Tetracycline becomes toxic.

Customer reviews:
1) It’s Tetracycline, pure and simple, February 16, 2007, By K. Yates “This review is from: Fish Cycline (Tetracycline 250 mg) – 100 Caps (Misc.)
‘Tired of $75 to ??? (Where is the limit?) doctor’s visits to get an antibiotic for an infection? If you are savvy enough to know when you have what, you may want to know that the exact same antibiotic is available to dope your fish tank and retard the growth of unhealthy bacteria. And you won’t go to the pharmacy and pay $50 to $100 for 30 to 50 caplets. This is a bottle of 100 caplets for less than $28 or, at least it was when I reordered from the vet supply house that ships it. (Where I also found 100 – 500mg caps for the same price.)’
2) I haven’t died yet!, June 14, 2009, By lisa simpson ” This review is from: Fish Cycline (Tetracycline 250 mg) – 100 Caps (Misc.)
‘I have used these Thomas Labs antibiotics for years. They are USP grade- United States Pharmaceutical grade. If you really want to pay $85 for an office visit, $30 for a strep screen, then $30 for 30 Amoxicillin capsules, then go for it! But I don’t have that kind of $$$$$!’

See also the informative YouTube videos with, “Patriot Nurse”. The following link takes you to her discussion of the  “Top 5 Antibiotics for SHTF”:

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOfthwm_v3E&feature=relmfu

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See also the book, “The Doom and Bloom(tm) Survival Medicine Handbook” (Keep your loved ones healthy in every disaster, from wildfires to a complete societal collapse),  by  Joseph Alton, M.D. and AMY ALTON, A.R.N.P., sold through Amazon.com

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