Tetracycline (As Tetracycline Hydrochloride)
Pronunciation: (tet-ra-SYE-kleen).
- Generic name
- Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride)
- Brand names
- Achromycin V, Sumycin (discontinued brand, generics remain available)
- Drug class
- Tetracycline-class antibiotic
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride) is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride) works
Tetracycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. (2)
What Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride) is used for
Bacterial infections susceptible to tetracycline
Used for infections caused by susceptible organisms including certain respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and specific indications such as brucellosis, early and late syphilis, gonorrhea, and severe acne, per FDA-approved labeling and susceptibility testing. (2)
Before taking Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride)
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take tetracycline if you have ever had a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to any tetracycline-class antibiotic. This is the only absolute contraindication stated in the US prescribing information. (all countries) (2)
- Tetracycline-class medicines should not be used in children up to 8 years of age, because use during tooth development (the last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to age 8) can cause permanent yellow-grey-brown discolouration of the teeth and enamel hypoplasia. The US label allows an exception for anthrax, and where other medicines are unlikely to be effective or are themselves contraindicated. Note that the US label places this under Warnings rather than in the Contraindications section. (United States) (2)
- Tetracycline should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Animal studies show that tetracyclines cross the placenta, reach fetal tissue, and can harm the developing fetus, often by slowing skeletal development; embryotoxicity has also been seen with treatment early in pregnancy. If it is used in pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking it, your clinician should discuss the potential hazard to the fetus with you. Note that the US label places this under Warnings rather than in the Contraindications section. (United States) (2)
Tell your clinician about
- Any allergy to tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or another tetracycline-class antibiotic.
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding, and the age of any child the medicine is intended for.
- Any kidney problems — impaired kidney function allows tetracycline to build up and can lead to raised blood urea, and liver toxicity.
- Any liver problems, or any history of liver disease.
- All other medicines, and any antacids, iron, calcium, or other mineral supplements you take, since these bind tetracycline and stop it being absorbed.
- Diarrhoea that develops during or after treatment, which can signal Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea.
- Any severe headache or blurred vision, which can signal raised pressure inside the skull.
- Whether you are likely to be in strong sunlight, because tetracyclines can cause an exaggerated sunburn reaction.
How to take Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride)
- Take tetracycline on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water. Avoid taking it with milk or other dairy products, antacids, or iron/calcium/magnesium supplements, as these significantly reduce absorption — separate these by several hours if they cannot be avoided. Avoid taking the last dose of the day immediately before lying down, as this has been linked to esophageal irritation/ulceration. Complete the full prescribed course even if you feel better.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose — in that case, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center if an overdose is suspected. Treatment is supportive, guided by a clinician. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.
Nausea
Incidence: Common
Vomiting and diarrhea
Incidence: Common
Epigastric distress and loss of appetite
Incidence: Common
Photosensitivity (sunburn-like skin reaction)
Incidence: Reported
Severe or persistent stomach pain, or signs of esophageal irritation (pain/difficulty swallowing)
Incidence: Uncommon; contact a clinician promptly
Signs of liver problems (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine)
Incidence: Rare but serious; seek medical attention
Headache with visual changes
Incidence: Rare; seek prompt evaluation
Serious warnings
Use during tooth development (the last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to age 8) can cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and enamel hypoplasia — serious
Symptoms: Use during tooth development (the last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to age 8) can cause permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and enamel hypoplasia. Tetracycline can also affect bone growth in premature infants and the developing fetus. Tetracycline should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, and is not recommended in children under 8 years except in specific circumstances directed by a specialist.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Hepatotoxicity and liver failure have been observed with tetracycline, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment — impaired kidneys allow the drug to accumulate to toxic levels — serious
Symptoms: Hepatotoxicity and liver failure have been observed with tetracycline, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment — impaired kidneys allow the drug to accumulate to toxic levels. Seek medical attention promptly for signs of liver problems (yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue) or worsening kidney symptoms.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) has been associated with tetracycline use, with headache, blurred vision, double vision, and vision loss possible — serious
Symptoms: Intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) has been associated with tetracycline use, with headache, blurred vision, double vision, and vision loss possible; risk is higher in women of childbearing age who are overweight. Seek prompt ophthalmologic evaluation for any visual disturbance during treatment. Avoid combining with isotretinoin, which carries the same risk.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Photosensitivity (exaggerated sunburn reaction) can occur — serious
Symptoms: Photosensitivity (exaggerated sunburn reaction) can occur; use sun protection and avoid excessive sun/UV exposure during treatment. Seek immediate medical attention for signs of a severe allergic reaction.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy products, antacids, and iron/calcium/magnesium/zinc-containing products | Significantly reduce tetracycline absorption when taken together; separate dosing by at least 1-2 hours where possible. | (2) |
| Oral contraceptives | Tetracycline may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives; discuss backup contraception with your healthcare provider. | (1) |
| Oral anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin) | Tetracycline may enhance anticoagulant effect; dose adjustment and monitoring may be needed. | (1) |
| Isotretinoin | Concomitant use should be avoided due to increased risk of intracranial hypertension. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Tetracycline should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Animal studies show tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissue, and can be toxic to the developing fetus, particularly affecting skeletal development; embryotoxicity has also been noted with early-pregnancy use. Pregnant women with kidney disease may be more prone to tetracycline-associated liver failure. Discuss any pregnancy or plan for pregnancy with the prescriber. (2)
Breastfeeding
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or the drug, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother — a decision to make with the treating clinician. (2)
Children
Not recommended for children under 8 years, except in specific circumstances directed by a specialist, because tetracycline use during tooth development can cause permanent tooth discoloration and enamel defects, and may affect bone growth. (2)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: tetracycline requires dose reduction in renal impairment — even usual oral doses can cause excessive drug accumulation and possible liver toxicity in this setting, so lower total doses are indicated, with serum level monitoring advised for prolonged therapy. The antianabolic action of tetracyclines can raise BUN; in patients with significantly impaired renal function this may worsen to azotemia, high phosphate, and acidosis. Hepatic impairment: hepatotoxicity and liver failure have been reported with tetracycline, especially in the context of renal impairment; periodic liver function monitoring is advised for long-term therapy. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: tetracycline requires dose reduction in renal impairment — even usual oral doses can cause excessive drug accumulation and possible liver toxicity in this setting, so lower total doses are indicated, with serum level monitoring advised for prolonged therapy. The antianabolic action of tetracyclines can raise BUN; in patients with significantly impaired renal function this may worsen to azotemia, high phosphate, and acidosis. Hepatic impairment: hepatotoxicity and liver failure have been reported with tetracycline, especially in the context of renal impairment; periodic liver function monitoring is advised for long-term therapy. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature (20°C-25°C / 68°F-77°F), away from light and moisture. Do not use expired tetracycline, as degraded product has been associated with kidney toxicity (Fanconi-like syndrome).
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
United States (tetracycline hydrochloride capsules)
Indication: Susceptible bacterial infections (general); specific regimens for brucellosis, syphilis, gonorrhea also defined in labeling
Dose summary: Usual adult dose: 500 mg twice daily or 250 mg four times daily (total 1 g/day); up to 500 mg four times daily for severe infections. Specific-indication regimens: brucellosis 500 mg four times daily for 3 weeks (with an aminoglycoside); early syphilis 500 mg four times daily for 15 days; syphilis >1 year duration 500 mg four times daily for 30 days; gonorrhea 500 mg four times daily for at least 7 days. Take on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
Renal context: In renal impairment, decrease total dosage by reducing individual doses and/or extending the interval between doses. Even usual oral or parenteral doses can lead to excessive systemic drug accumulation and possible liver toxicity in renal impairment; lower total doses are indicated, and serum level monitoring is advisable if therapy is prolonged. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
Hepatotoxicity and liver failure have been observed in patients receiving tetracycline, particularly those with renal impairment (which allows drug accumulation). Periodic liver function monitoring is advised during long-term therapy; no separate numeric hepatic dose-adjustment scheme beyond the renal-impairment-driven dose reduction is given in the label.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tetracycline used for?
Tetracycline treats a range of bacterial infections, including certain respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections, acne, and specific conditions such as brucellosis, syphilis, and gonorrhea, when caused by susceptible bacteria.
Why can't children or pregnant women take Tetracycline?
Tetracycline can permanently discolor teeth and affect bone growth if used during tooth development — the second half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to about age 8 — so it is avoided in these groups except in specific circumstances directed by a specialist.
Can I take Tetracycline with milk or antacids?
No — dairy products, antacids, and supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium, or zinc significantly reduce how much tetracycline your body absorbs. Take tetracycline on an empty stomach, separated from these by at least 1-2 hours.
What are the side effects of Tetracycline?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased sun sensitivity. Seek medical attention for signs of liver problems, a severe allergic reaction, or headache with visual changes.
Is Tetracycline safe with kidney or liver disease?
Tetracycline requires a lower total dose in kidney impairment, because even usual doses can build up and lead to liver toxicity in this setting. Hepatotoxicity has also been reported directly, especially alongside kidney impairment. This requires individualized dosing by the prescriber.
What is the mechanism of action of Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride)?
Tetracycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. (2)
What is the generic name of Tetracycline (As Tetracycline Hydrochloride)?
The generic name is Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride). It is sold under brand names including Achromycin V, Sumycin (discontinued brand, generics remain available).
What class of drug is Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride)?
Tetracycline (As Tetracycline Hydrochloride) is classed as: Tetracycline-class antibiotic.
References
- Tetracycline — MedGuideGlobal internal product recordMedGuideGlobal · Internal database · accessed 2026-08-03 · source 1
- Tetracycline Hydrochloride Capsules — FDA prescribing informationUS FDA (prescribing information) · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- PYLERA (BISMUTH SUBCITRATE POTASSIUM, METRONIDAZOLE, AND TETRACYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE) CAPSULE [H2-PHARMA, LLC] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Tetracycline — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Tetracycline Hydrochloride — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA210662)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Tetracycline — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 10395)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Tetracycline (as tetracycline hydrochloride) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Honestly Battleborn First Aid for Real Man30 mg/g, 30 mg/mL · honestly llc
- Tetracyte Topical Tetracycline Hydrochloride30 mg/mL · viaderma distribution inc
- Viabecline30 mg/mL · accuria, llc
- Vitastem-tetracycline hydrochloride30 mg/mL · viaderma distribution, inc.
- Vitastem First Aid Antibiotic30 mg/g · viaderma distribution inc
- ViaDerma Care Tetracycline HCl First Aid Antibiotic30 mg/mL · viaderma distribution, inc.
- Vitastem30 mg/mL · viaderma distribution, inc.
- Viaderma Vitastem First Aid Topical Antibiotic30 mg/mL · viaderma distribution inc
- Tetracyte First Aid and Antibiotic Topical30 mg/g · viaderma distribution inc
Canada
- TETRACYCLINE 1% ONGUENT