Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotics Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more used to treat many different bacterial infections.
Tetracyclines include the following:
Doxycycline
Eravacycline
Minocycline
Omadacycline
Tetracycline
Tetracyclines are usually taken by mouth and work by preventing bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply.
Tetracyclines should not be taken with products that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or iron. Such products include some antacids and many vitamin and mineral supplements.
Tetracycline and omadacycline should be taken with plenty of water when the stomach is empty because food, especially dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream, reduces its absorption Drug Absorption Drug absorption is the movement of a drug into the bloodstream after administration. (See also Introduction to Administration and Kinetics of Drugs.) Absorption affects bioavailability—how quickly... read more (the movement of a drug into the bloodstream after it is given by mouth).
Minocycline and doxycycline can be taken with or without food because food does not reduce their absorption.
Doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline can be given by injection as well as by mouth. Eravacycline can be given only by injection in a vein.
Tetracyclines
(See also Overview of Antibiotics Overview of Antibiotics Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They are not effective against viral infections and most other infections. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or stop them from reproducing... read more .)
Use of Tetracyclines During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnant women should not take tetracyclines. These drugs can affect tooth and bone development in the fetus and, if taken late in pregnancy, can cause permanent staining of the fetus's teeth. (See also Drug Use During Pregnancy Safety of Medications During Pregnancy During pregnancy, women may need to take medications to treat new or existing health conditions. Also, certain vitamins are recommended during pregnancy. Before taking any medication (including... read more .)
Use of tetracyclines during breastfeeding is usually discouraged. (See also Drug Use During Breastfeeding Medication and Substance Use During Breastfeeding When women who are breastfeeding have to take a medication, they wonder whether they should stop breastfeeding. The answer depends on the following: How much of the medication passes into the... read more .)
