Tetracycline

Last updated 25 Nov 2025 | 09:34 AM (UTC)

Tetracycline Uses

Tetracycline is used in the treatment of bacterial infections.

How Tetracycline works

Tetracycline is an antibiotic. It stops bacterial growth by preventing synthesis of essential proteins required by bacteria to carry out vital functions.

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Medicine brands for Tetracycline

Mercury Laboratories Ltd

Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals Ltd

₹9 to ₹10

2 variant(s)

Tetralab

Laborate Pharmaceuticals India Ltd

₹11 to ₹20

2 variant(s)

Arcycline

Agron Remedies Pvt Ltd

₹9 to ₹9

1 variant(s)

Caten

Pan Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Reddy Pharmaceuticals

Expert advice for Tetracycline

Your doctor has prescribed Tetracycline to cure your infection and improve symptoms.
It should be taken on an empty stomach.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
Do not take antacids or medicines containing zinc or iron at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking Tetracycline.
Discontinue Tetracycline and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
It may cause dizziness. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Tetracycline affects you.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Your doctor has prescribed Tetracycline to cure your infection and improve symptoms.
It should be taken on an empty stomach.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping it early may make the infection to come back and harder to treat.
It may cause dizziness. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Tetracycline affects you.
Diarrhea may occur as a side effect but should stop when your course is complete. Inform your doctor if it doesn't stop or if you find blood in your stools.
It can lower the efficacy of birth control pills. Use an alternative method of contraception ( condom, diaphragm, spermicide) while taking this medication.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
Do not take antacids or medicines containing zinc or iron at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking Tetracycline.
Discontinue Tetracycline and inform your doctor immediately if you get a rash, itchy skin, swelling of face and mouth, or have difficulty in breathing.

Frequently asked questions for Tetracycline

Q. Can I drink milk while taking Tetracycline?

No, you should avoid using milk and milk products while taking Tetracycline. Consuming dairy products along with Tetracycline can decrease its absorption from the stomach, which may lead to inadequate affect of this medicine.

Q. How long after taking Tetracycline can I eat?

It is best to wait for 2 hours after consuming Tetracycline. Consuming food along with Tetracycline may decrease its absorption from the stomach.

Q. Can I take Tetracycline with food if its causing stomach upset?

Yes, you can take Tetracycline with food if its causing you stomach upset. However, avoid consuming milk and milk products 1 hr before and 2 hr after taking this medicine.

Q. How long does Tetracycline takes to work?

Usually, Tetracycline starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.

Q. Can the use of Tetracycline cause diarrhea?

Yes, the use of Tetracycline can cause diarrhea. It is an antibiotic which kills the harmful bacteria. However, it also affects the helpful bacteria in your stomach or intestine and causes diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, talk to your doctor about it.