Description
Tetracycline belongs to the class of medications called antibiotics. It is used to treat certain types of infections that are caused by bacteria (antibiotics are not useful for viruses like the ones that cause the common cold). Tetracycline is most commonly used to treat infections of the skin (including acne), Lyme disease, and certain sexually transmitted infections.
The recommended adult dose of tetracycline is 250 mg to 500 mg 4 times daily on an empty stomach. For 2 hours before and after taking the medication, avoid dairy products as well as antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium. Tetracycline should be taken with a full glass of water while standing or sitting upright and should not be taken at bedtime (to avoid irritation of the lining of the throat and the tube leading to the stomach, known as the esophagus).
