Tetracycline
Benjamin Clanner-Engelshofen is a freelance writer in the medical department. He studied biochemistry and pharmacy in Munich and Cambridge / Boston (USA) and noticed early on that he particularly enjoyed the interface between medicine and science. That is why he went on to study human medicine.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.The active ingredient tetracycline is the prototype of the antibiotic group of tetracyclines. Tetracyclines are broad spectrum antibiotics, so they work against a large number of different bacteria. They are therefore often used when the exact pathogen causing an infection is not (yet) known. Here you can read everything interesting about tetracycline: effect, application and side effects.
This is how tetracycline works
Tetracyclines inhibit the production of proteins in many bacteria, which the germs need for their metabolism and their structure (cell membrane). However, existing bacterial enzymes remain undamaged. Tetracycline only inhibits the growth of bacteria, but does not kill them - the antibiotic only has a bacteriostatic effect, but not bactericidal.
Because tetracycline has long been used against many bacterial infections, many bacteria have become resistant to the antibiotic. In particular, if you use it incorrectly - such as taking it too briefly, taking it unnecessarily or taking it too often - you specifically contribute to the fact that the resistant bacteria survive and spread. The bacteria can achieve their resistance in several ways, for example by specifically pumping the antibiotic out of the cell, by proteins that protect the ribosome - the place where the enzymes are formed in the bacterial cells - or by changing the ribosome structure so that tetracycline no longer binds can.
Uptake, breakdown and excretion of tetracycline
After ingestion, tetracycline is absorbed into the blood through the intestinal wall. The highest blood levels are measured after two to four hours. The antibiotic easily reaches most of the tissues in the body via the blood. After eight to nine hours, the tetracycline blood level has halved. The antibiotic is excreted via the liver with the bile into the intestine and is partly absorbed again via the intestinal mucosa (enterohepatic circulation). About half of it is broken down in the liver; the other half leaves the body unchanged.
When is tetracycline used?
Tetracycline is used against bacterial infections with tetracycline-sensitive bacteria, especially for respiratory, urinary, vaginal and gastrointestinal infections. In addition, it can be used successfully for the skin diseases acne and rosacea.
This is how tetracycline is used
The active ingredient tetracycline is taken as a tablet or capsule. The duration of use and the dosage depend on the type of infection. Usually 250 to 500 milligrams of tetracycline are taken four times a day on an empty stomach - that is, one hour before or two hours after eating. The time interval of about six hours between the individual doses should be observed so that the blood levels are approximately the same at all times. The capsules should be taken in an upright position with a glass of water, as they can damage the lining of the esophagus if the capsule dissolves in the throat. Although the symptoms of the disease usually improve quickly with antibiotic therapy, it must be taken for the entire prescribed period, as otherwise resistant pathogens can easily develop.
What are the side effects of tetracycline?
Since the antibiotic tetracycline also works against the natural intestinal bacteria, those treated very often experience digestive problems, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, more than one in ten patients develop stomach inflammation, inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, and, when used vaginally, inflammation of the vaginal mucosa and fungal infections.
Less than one percent of patients experience adverse drug effects such as changes in the blood count, severe skin reactions and allergic reactions (rash, itching, shock). In these cases, the antibiotic must be discontinued immediately and a doctor informed.
What should be considered when taking tetracycline?
The active ingredient tetracycline must be taken at a distance from food, as food, but particularly polyvalent electrolytes (such as magnesium, calcium, aluminum, iron, zinc) form poorly soluble complexes with the antibiotic that can no longer be absorbed through the intestine. In particular, milk, cheese and other dairy products, zinc and iron tablets and antacids (heartburn remedies) should only be taken two to three hours after the antibiotic.
In type 2 diabetics, the intake of tetracycline can lead to an increased blood sugar reduction due to sulfonylureas (glibenclamide, glimepiride, tolbutamide). If it is necessary to take it at the same time, blood sugar must be checked closely.
Anticoagulants of the coumarin type (phenprocoumon, warfarin) can also have an increased effect due to tetracycline, which is why patients with coagulation disorders should check their coagulation values closely.
The side effects of therapy with methotrexate in cancer or chronic inflammatory joint diseases can be increased by the combination with tetracycline.
The antibiotic tetracycline can in rare cases affect the contraceptive effect of the pill. To ensure safe contraception, women should therefore use additional non-hormonal contraceptive measures such as condoms throughout the entire menstrual cycle.
Tetracycline absorbs UV light. Therefore, patients react very strongly to UV light for the duration of the treatment: Direct sunlight or a visit to the solarium can cause severe skin irritation similar to sunburn.
The active ingredient must not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it reaches the child via the placenta and breast milk and can cause severe developmental disorders, especially of the bones and teeth. Likewise, taking antibiotics during pregnancy can damage the mother's liver.
Children from eight years of age, adolescents and adults may be treated with tetracycline in an appropriately adjusted dosage. Tetracycline should not be used in patients with impaired liver or kidney function.
How to get medication with tetracycline
Antibiotics in any dosage and pack size require a prescription to ensure proper use.
How long has tetracycline been known?
The antibiotic tetracycline was discovered and studied in the USA in 1945 by scientists from the pharmaceutical company Lederle Laboratories (part of the American Cyanamid Company, now Pfizer). It was used on humans just three years later. To date, numerous derivatives of tetracycline have been developed that have improved properties. There are numerous generics with the active ingredient tetracycline on the German pharmaceutical market; Prescription drugs such as creams are also occasionally prescribed.
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