Tetracycline

Tetracycline is a prescription medication used to treat various bacterial infections.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

For at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking tetracycline: avoid taking iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Tetracycline can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Administration

Oral Administration

Administer orally.c d

Administer capsules and tablets with adequate amounts of fluid to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration.c d

Dosage

Available as tetracyclined and tetracycline hydrochloride;c dosage expressed in terms of tetracycline hydrochloride.c d

Pediatric Patients

General Pediatric Dosage Oral

Children >8 years of age: 25–50 mg/kg daily in 4 divided doses.c

Balantidiasis† Oral

Children ≥8 years of age: 40 mg/kg daily (up to 2 g) in 4 divided doses given for 10 days.112 114

Brucellosis Oral

Children ≥8 years of age: 30–40 mg/kg daily (up to 2 g) in 4 divided doses.114 Duration of treatment usually is 4–6 weeks; more prolonged treatment may be necessary for severe infections or when there are complications.114

If infection is severe or if endocarditis, meningitis, or osteomyelitis are present, administer IM streptomycin or gentamicin during the first 7–14 days of tetracycline therapy.114 c d Rifampin can be administered concomitantly (with or without an aminoglycoside) to decrease the risk of relapse.114

Dientamoeba fragilis Infection† Oral

Children ≥8 years of age: 40 mg/kg daily (up to 2 g) in 4 divided doses given for 10 days.112

Malaria† Treatment of Uncomplicated Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum Malaria† Oral

Children ≥8 years of age: 6.25 mg/kg 4 times daily given for 7 days; used in conjunction with oral quinine sulfate (10 mg/kg 3 times daily given for 3 days if infection was acquired in Africa or South America or for 7 days if acquired in Southeast Asia).112 129

Treatment of Uncomplicated P. vivax Malaria† Oral

Children ≥8 years of age: 6.25 mg/kg 4 times daily given for 7 days; used in conjunction with oral quinine sulfate (10 mg/kg 3 times daily given for 3 days if infection was acquired in Africa or South America or for 7 days if acquired in Southeast Asia).129

In addition, a 14-day regimen of oral primaquine (0.6 mg/kg once daily) also may be indicated to provide a radical cure and prevent delayed attacks or relapse of P. vivax malaria.129

Treatment of Severe P. falciparum Malaria† Oral

Children ≥8 years of age: 6.25 mg/kg 4 times daily given for 7 days; used in conjunction with IV quinidine gluconate (followed by oral quinine sulfate) given for a total duration of 3–7 days.129 If an IV tetracycline is necessary initially, use IV doxycycline until oral therapy can be tolerated.129

Plague Treatment of Pneumonic Plague Oral

Children >8 years of age: 25–50 mg/kg daily in 4 divided dosesb given for ≥10–14 days.123 124

Prompt initiation of treatment (within 18–24 hours of symptom onset) is essential.123 124 A parenteral regimen (e.g., IM streptomycin, IM or IV gentamicin, IV doxycycline) is preferred for initial treatment; an oral regimen may be substituted when the patient's condition improves or if a parenteral regimen is unavailable.123 124

Postexposure Prophylaxis following High-risk Exposure† Oral

Children >8 years of age: 25–50 mg/kg daily in 2 or 4 equally divided doses.b

Duration of prophylaxis following exposure to plague aerosol or a patient with suspected pneumonic plague is 7 days123 124 or the duration of exposure risk plus 7 days.123

Syphilis Primary or Secondary Syphilis Oral

Children >8 years of age: 500 mg 4 times daily given for 14 days.101 102 114

Latent Syphilis or Tertiary Syphilis (Except Neurosyphilis) Oral

Children >8 years of age: 500 mg 4 times daily given for 14 days for early latent syphilis (duration <1 year) or 500 mg 4 times daily given for 28 days for late latent syphilis (duration≥1 year), latent syphilis of unknown duration, or tertiary syphilis.101 102 114

Vibrio Infections Cholera Oral

Children >8 years of age: 50 mg/kg daily in 4 divided doses given for 3 days.114

Adults

General Adult Dosage Oral

1–2 g daily in 2–4 divided doses.c d

500 mg twice daily or 250 mg 4 times daily may be adequate for mild to moderate infections; severe infections may required 500 mg 4 times daily.c d

Respiratory Tract Infections Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infections Oral

1–2 g daily in 2–4 equally divided doses.b Duration of treatment usually is 1–4 weeks.b

Acne Oral

1 g daily given in divided doses; when improvement occurs in 1–2 weeks, decrease slowly to a maintenance dosage of 125–500 mg daily.b c d Continue maintenance dosage until clinical improvement allows discontinuation of the drug.b

Actinomycosis Oral

1–2 g daily for 6–12 months as follow-up to penicillin G.b

Anthrax Postexposure Prophylaxis following Exposure in the Context of Biologic Warfare or Bioterrorism Oral

500 mg every 6 hours given for ≥60 days.122

Optimum duration of postexposure prophylaxis after an inhalation exposure to B. anthracis spores is unclear,123 k but prolonged postexposure prophylaxis usually required.122 123 A duration of 60 days may be adequate for a low-dose exposure, but a duration >4 months may be necessary to reduce the risk following a high-dose exposure.k CDC recommends that postexposure prophylaxis following a confirmed exposure (including in laboratory workers with confirmed exposures to B. anthracis cultures) be continued for 60 days.122 123 The US Working Group on Civilian Biodefense and the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) recommends that postexposure prophylaxis be continued for at least 60 days in individuals who are not fully immunized against anthrax and when anthrax vaccine is unavailable or cannot be used for postexposure vaccination.123

Treatment of Inhalational Anthrax Oral

500 mg every 6 hours.122

Initial parenteral regimen preferred; use oral regimen for initial treatment only when a parenteral regimen is not available (e.g., supply or logistic problems because large numbers of individuals require treatment in a mass casualty setting).122 i Continue for total duration of ≥60 days if inhalational anthrax occurred as the result of exposure to anthrax spores in the context of biologic warfare or bioterrorism.102 123 i

Balantidiasis† Oral

500 mg 4 times daily given for 10 days.112

Brucellosis Oral

500 mg 4 times daily given for 3 weeks.c d

If infection is severe or if endocarditis, meningitis, or osteomyelitis are present, administer IM streptomycin or gentamicin during the first 7–14 days of tetracycline therapy.114 c d Rifampin can be administered concomitantly to decrease the risk of relapse (with or without an aminoglycoside).114

Burkholderia Infections† Melioidosis† Oral

2–3 g daily given for 1–3 months.b In severe cases, some clinicians recommend concomitant chloramphenicol during the first month.b In patients with extrapulmonary suppurative lesions, continue tetracycline therapy for 6–12 months.b

Campylobacter Infections Campylobacter fetus Infections Oral

1–2 g daily given for 10 days.b

Chancroid Oral

1–2 g daily given for 2–4 weeks.b

Chlamydial Infections Uncomplicated Urethral, Endocervical, or Rectal Infections Oral

500 mg 4 times daily given for ≥7 days.102 c d

Psittacosis (Ornithosis) Oral

500 mg 4 times daily given for ≥10–14 days after defervescence.100

Dientamoeba fragilis Infection† Oral

500 mg 4 times daily for 10 days.112

Gonorrhea and Associated Infections Uncomplicated Gonorrhea Oral

500 mg 4 times daily given for 7 days.c d No longer recommended for gonorrhea by CDC or other experts.101 102

Empiric Treatment of Epididymitis† Oral

500 mg 4 times daily given for 10 days; as follow-up to a single dose of IM ceftriaxone.102

Granuloma Inguinale (Donovanosis) Oral

1–2 g daily given for 2–4 weeks.b

Helicobacter pylori Infection and Duodenal Ulcer Disease Oral

500 mg in conjunction with metronidazole (250 mg) and bismuth subsalicylate (525 mg) 4 times daily (at meals and at bedtime) for 14 days; these drugs should be given concomitantly with usual dosage of an H2-receptor antagonist.110

Leptospirosis† Oral

1–2 g daily given for 5–7 days.b

Malaria† Treatment of Uncomplicated Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum Malaria† Oral

250 mg 4 times daily given for 7 days; used in conjunction with quinine sulfate (650 mg 3 times daily given for 3 days if malaria was acquired in Africa or South America or for 7 days if acquired in Southeast Asia).112 129

Treatment of Uncomplicated P. vivax Malaria† Oral

250 mg 4 times daily given for 7 days; used in conjunction with oral quinine sulfate (650 mg 3 times daily given for 3 days if malaria was acquired in Africa or South America or for 7 days if acquired in Southeast Asia).129

In addition, a 14-day regimen of oral primaquine (30 mg once daily) also may be indicated to provide a radical cure and prevent delayed attacks or relapse of P. vivax malaria.129

Treatment of Severe P. falciparum Malaria† Oral

250 mg 4 times daily for 7 days; used in conjunction with IV quinidine gluconate (followed by oral quinine sulfate) given for a total duration of 3–7 days.129 If an IV tetracycline is necessary initially, use IV doxycycline until oral therapy can be tolerated.129

Plague Treatment Oral

2–4 g daily in 4 divided dosesb given for ≥10–14 days.b 123

Prompt initiation of treatment (within 18–24 hours of symptom onset) is essential.123 124 A parenteral regimen (e.g., IM streptomycin, IM or IV gentamicin, IV doxycycline) is preferred for initial treatment; an oral regimen may be substituted when the patient's condition improves or if a parenteral regimen is unavailable.123 124

Postexposure Prophylaxis following High-risk Exposure† Oral

1–2 g daily in 2 or 4 divided doses.123

Duration of prophylaxis following exposure to plague aerosol or a patient with suspected pneumonic plague is 7 days123 124 or the duration of exposure risk plus 7 days.123

Relapsing Fever Oral

1–2 g daily until afebrile for 7 days.b A single 500-mg dose may be effective in some patients.b

Rickettsial Infections Oral

1–2 g daily in 2–4 divided doses.b Duration of treatment usually is ≥3–7 days or until patients has been afebrile for approximately 2–3 days.b

Q Fever Oral

500 mg every 6 hours given for ≥14 days for treatment of acute Q fever.123

For prophylaxis against Q fever†, 500 mg every 6 hours given for ≥5–7 days may prevent clinical disease if initiated 8–12 days after exposure; such prophylaxis is not effective and may only prolong the onset of disease if given immediately (1–7 days) after exposure.123

Syphilis Primary or Secondary Syphilis Oral

500 mg 4 times daily given for 14 days recommended by CDC and others.101 102 Manufacturer recommends a total dosage of 30–40 g in equally divided doses given over 10–15 days.c d

Latent Syphilis or Tertiary Syphilis (Except Neurosyphilis) Oral

500 mg 4 times daily given for 14 days for early latent syphilis (duration <1 year) or 500 mg 4 times daily given for 28 days for late latent syphilis (duration≥1 year), latent syphilis of unknown duration, or tertiary syphilis.101 102

Tularemia Treatment Oral

500 mg 4 times daily123 given for ≥14–21 days.123 f Relapse may occur as long as 6 months after treatment with tetracycline; however, retreatment with the same dosage usually is curative.b

Postexposure Prophylaxis following High-risk Exposure† Oral

500 mg 4 times daily.123

Initiate postexposure prophylaxis within 24 hours of exposure and continue for ≥14 days.123 f

Vibrio Infections Cholera Oral

1–2 g daily given for 2–3 days.b 500 mg 4 times daily for 3 days also has been recommended.103

Yaws Oral

1–2 g daily given for 10–14 days.b

Prescribing Limits

Pediatric Patients

Malaria Treatment of Severe P. falciparum Malaria† Oral

Children ≥8 years of age: Maximum 1g daily.129

Special Populations

Renal Impairment

Adjust dosage by decreasing doses or increasing dosing interval.c d

Absorption

Bioavailability

75–80% absorbed from GI tract in fasting adults;b peak serum concentrations attained within 2–4 hours.b c d

Food

GI absorption reduced by ≥50% by food and/or milk.b

Divalent and trivalent cations, including aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc may decrease oral absorption as a result of chelation with the drug.b

Distribution

Extent

Widely distributed into body tissues and fluids.a c d

Only small amounts diffuse into CSF.a

Readily crosses the placentaa and is distributed into milk.a c d

Plasma Protein Binding

20–67%.a c d

Elimination

Metabolism

Does not appear to be metabolized.a

Elimination Route

Eliminated in urine by glomerular filtration; 48–60% of a dose excreted in urine as active drug.b Also eliminated in bile and feces.a c d

Half-life

Adults with normal renal function: 6–12 hours.b

Special Populations

Patients with severe hepatic impairment or biliary obstruction: Serum concentrations and half-life may be increased.a

Severe renal impairment: 57–120 hours.b

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Throw away any unused part of tetracycline.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take tetracycline or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to tetracycline. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

<content styleCode="bold italics">General</content>General

As with other antibacterials, use of this drug may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, discontinue antibacterial   and institute appropriate therapy.

Treat all infections due to Group A beta-hemolytic streptococci for at least ten days.

Perform incision and drainage or other surgical procedures in conjunction with antibacterial therapy, when indicated.

Prescribing Tetracycline in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or a prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

<content styleCode="bold italics">Information for Patients</content>Information for Patients

Counsel patients that antibacterial drugs including Tetracycline should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When Tetracycline is prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, tell patients that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by Tetracycline or other antibacterial drugs in the future.

<content styleCode="bold italics">Laboratory Tests</content>Laboratory Tests

In sexually transmitted infections, when coexistent syphilis is suspected, perform dark field examinations e before treatment is started and the blood serology repeated monthly for at least four months.

<content styleCode="bold italics">Drug Interactions</content>Drug Interactions

Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving Tetracycline in conjunction with penicillin or other bactericidal antibacterials.

Because the Tetracyclines have been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity, patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosage.

The concurrent use of Tetracycline and methoxyflurane has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity.

Absorption of Tetracyclines is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium and preparations containing iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate.

Concurrent use of Tetracycline may render oral contraceptives less effective.

<content styleCode="bold italics">Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility</content>Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Long-term animal studies are currently being conducted to determine whether Tetracycline hydrochloride has carcinogenic potential. Some related antibacterials (oxyTetracycline, minocycline) have shown evidence of oncogenic activity in rats.

In two in vitro mammalian cell assay systems (L 51784y mouse lymphoma and Chinese hamster lung cells), there was evidence of mutagenicity with Tetracycline hydrochloride.

Tetracycline hydrochloride had no effect on fertility when administered in the diet to male and female rats at a daily intake of approximately 400 mg/kg/day, roughly 8 times the highest recommended human dose based on body surface area.

<content styleCode="bold italics">Pregnancy</content>Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category D

(see WARNINGS)

Nonteratogenic Effects

(see WARNINGS)

Pregnant women with renal disease may be more prone to develop Tetracycline-associated liver failure.

<content styleCode="bold italics">Labor and Delivery</content>Labor and Delivery

The effect of Tetracyclines on labor and delivery is unknown.

<content styleCode="bold italics">Nursing Mothers</content>Nursing Mothers

Because of potential for serious adverse reaction in nursing infants from Tetracyclines, a decision should be made whether to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother (see WARNINGS).

<content styleCode="bold italics">Pediatric Use</content>Pediatric Use

See WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.

Adults:

Manufacturer’s labeling: There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; decrease dose and/or extend dosing interval.

Alternative dosing (Aronoff 2007): Note: Renally adjusted dose recommendations are based on doses of 250 mg to 500 mg twice daily to 4 times daily.

GFR >50 mL/minute: Administer recommended dose based on indication every 8 to 12 hours.

GFR 10 to 50 mL/minute: Administer recommended dose based on indication every 12 to 24 hours.

GFR <10 mL/minute: Administer recommended dose based on indication every 24 hours.

Children >8 years and Adolescents: There are no specific dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer’s labeling; decrease dose and/or extend dosing interval.

Administer on an empty stomach (ie, 1 hour prior to, or 2 hours after meals) to increase total absorption and with adequate amount of fluid to reduce risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration. Administer at least 1 to 2 hours prior to, or 4 hours after antacid because aluminum and magnesium cations may chelate with tetracycline and reduce its total absorption.

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Pericarditis, thrombophlebitis

Central nervous system: Bulging fontanel (infants), increased intracranial pressure, paresthesia, pseudotumor cerebri

Dermatologic: Exfoliative dermatitis, nail discoloration, pruritus, skin photosensitivity

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal cramps, anorexia, dental discoloration (young children), diarrhea, enamel hypoplasia (young children), esophagitis, nausea, pancreatitis, pseudomembranous colitis (antibiotic-associated), staphylococcal enterocolitis, vomiting

Genitourinary: Azotemia

Hepatic: Hepatotoxicity

Hypersensitivity: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reaction

Infection: Fungal superinfection (candida), superinfection

Renal: Acute renal failure, renal insufficiency

<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Dysgeusia (Syed 2016)

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to tetracycline or similar medicines such as demeclocycline, doxycycline, minocycline, or tigecycline.

To make sure tetracycline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease; or

• kidney disease.

If you are using tetracycline to treat gonorrhea, your doctor may test you to make sure you do not also have syphilis, another sexually transmitted disease.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy may affect tooth and bone development in the unborn baby. Taking tetracycline during the last half of pregnancy can cause permanent tooth discoloration later in the baby's life. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant while using this medicine.

Tetracycline can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy.

Tetracycline can pass into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not breast-feed while you are taking tetracycline.

Children younger than 8 years old should not take tetracycline. Tetracycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration and can also affect a child's growth.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to tetracycline: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• pale or yellowed skin, easy bruising or bleeding;

• any signs of a new infection.

Common tetracycline side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, loss of appetite;

• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;

• swollen tongue, black or "hairy" tongue, trouble swallowing;

• sores or swelling in your rectal or genital area; or

• vaginal itching or discharge.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

500 mg orally twice a day for 2 weeks or more, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Bronchitis:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection; may be given for 4 to 5 days a week during winter months as prophylaxis against chronic infectious bronchitis

Usual Adult Dose for Brucellosis:

500 mg orally 4 times a day for 3 weeks given with streptomycin 1 g IM twice a day the first week and once a day the second week

Usual Adult Dose for Chlamydia Infection:

Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical, or rectal infection: 500 mg orally 4 times a day for at least 7 days

The patient's sexual partner(s) should also be evaluated/treated.

Oral doxycycline therapy is preferred by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of chlamydial infections in nonpregnant patients.

Usual Adult Dose for Helicobacter pylori Infection:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 14 days given in conjunction with bismuth, metronidazole, and an H2 blocker

Usual Adult Dose for Lyme Disease -- Arthritis:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 14 to 30 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Lyme Disease -- Carditis:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 14 to 30 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Lyme Disease -- Erythema Chronicum Migrans:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 10 to 30 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Lyme Disease -- Neurologic:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 21 to 30 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Pneumonia:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 10 to 21 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Rickettsial Infection:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 7 days

Usual Adult Dose for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 7 to 10 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection

Usual Adult Dose for Psittacosis:

500 mg orally 4 times a day; initial treatment with IV doxycycline may be necessary for seriously ill patients
Duration: Treatment should continue at least 10 to 14 days after fever subsides to prevent relapse

Usual Adult Dose for Ornithosis:

500 mg orally 4 times a day; initial treatment with IV doxycycline may be necessary for seriously ill patients
Duration: Treatment should continue at least 10 to 14 days after fever subsides to prevent relapse

Usual Adult Dose for Syphilis -- Early:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 14 days; alternatively, 30 to 40 g in divided doses over a period of 10 to 15 days has been recommended

Tetracycline should be used only if penicillins are contraindicated.

Usual Adult Dose for Syphilis -- Latent:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 28 days; alternatively, 30 to 40 g in divided doses over a period of 10 to 15 days has been recommended

Tetracycline should be used only if penicillins are contraindicated.

Usual Adult Dose for Tertiary Syphilis:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 28 days

Tetracycline should be used only if penicillins are contraindicated.

Usual Adult Dose for Nongonococcal Urethritis:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 7 days

The patient's sexual partner(s) should also be evaluated/treated.

Usual Adult Dose for Gonococcal Infection -- Uncomplicated:

500 mg orally 4 times a day for 7 days

The patient's sexual partner(s) should also be evaluated/treated.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is insufficiently susceptible to tetracycline; therefore, this medicine is not recommended by the CDC for the treatment of gonorrhea. Oral doxycycline therapy is the preferred treatment for possible concurrent chlamydial infection in nonpregnant patients.

Usual Adult Dose for Cystitis:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 3 to 7 days, depending on the nature and severity of the infection; recommended if no alternatives exist

Usual Adult Dose for Epididymitis -- Sexually Transmitted:

500 mg orally every 6 hours for 10 days

The patient's sexual partner(s) should also be evaluated/treated.

Doxycycline for 10 days, in conjunction with a single dose of a parenteral third-generation cephalosporin like ceftriaxone, has been specifically recommended by the CDC as primary treatment for sexually transmitted epididymitis. Tetracycline may be a reasonable substitute for doxycycline in this regimen.

Usual Adult Dose for Lymphogranuloma Venereum:

Although tetracyclines in general may be useful for the treatment of lymphogranuloma venereum, doxycycline is much more commonly used and is specifically recommended by the CDC as primary therapy for this disease. Therefore, the use of tetracycline for the treatment of this patient with lymphogranuloma venereum is not recommended. Doxycycline may be an effective alternative.

Usual Adult Dose for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease:

Although tetracyclines in general may be useful in combination with other agents for the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease, doxycycline is much more commonly used and is specifically recommended by the CDC as a therapy for this disease. Therefore, the use of tetracycline for the treatment of this patient with pelvic inflammatory disease is not recommended. Doxycycline may be an effective alternative.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Infection:

Above 8 years of age: 25 to 50 mg/kg orally per day divided in 4 equal doses