Sumycin

Tetracyclines are used to treat infections and to help control acne. Demeclocycline, doxycycline, and minocycline also may be used for other problems as determined by your doctor. Tetracyclines will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.

Side effects of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor`s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of capsules, tablets, or teaspoonfuls of suspension that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking a tetracycline. * For demeclocycline For oral dosage form (tablets): o For bacterial or protozoal infections: + Adults and teenagers?150 milligrams (mg) every six hours; or 300 mg every twelve hours. Gonorrhea is treated with 600 mg on the first day, then 300 mg every twelve hours for four days. + Children older than 8 years of age?Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 1.65 to 3.3 mg per kilogram (kg) (0.8 to 1.5 mg per pound) of body weight every six hours; or 3.3 to 6.6 mg per kg (1.5 to 3 mg per pound) of body weight every twelve hours. + Infants and children 8 years of age and younger?Tetracyclines usually are not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth. * For doxycycline For oral dosage forms (capsules, suspension, and tablets): o For bacterial or protozoal infections: + Adults and children older than 8 years of age who weigh more than 45 kilograms (kg) (99 pounds)?100 milligrams (mg) every twelve hours the first day, then 100 mg once a day or 50 to 100 mg every twelve hours. + Children older than 8 years of age who weigh 45 kg (99 pounds) or less?Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 2.2 mg per kg (1 mg per pound) of body weight two times a day on the first day, then 2.2 to 4.4 mg per kg (1 to 2 mg per pound) of body weight once a day or 1.1 to 2.2 mg per kg (0.5 to 1 mg per pound) of body weight twice a day. + Infants and children 8 years of age and younger?Tetracyclines are usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth. o For the prevention of malaria: + Adults and teenagers?100 mg once a day. You should take the first dose one or two days before travel to an area where malaria may occur, and continue taking the medicine every day throughout travel and for four weeks after you leave the malarious area. + Infants and children 8 years of age and younger, Tetracyclines are usually not used in young children because tetracyclines can permanently stain teeth.

Swallow whole with a glass of water, maybe taken with or without food.

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience weight loss, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe skin reaction to the sun or artificial light, vaginal irritation or discharge, headache, or blurred vision. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; hoarseness; fever; chest pain; or sore tongue. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, severe bruising or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next application, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Keep the medicine from freezing.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days (or a few weeks or months for acne patients), or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen may not work properly if you take them while you are taking tetracyclines. Unplanned pregnancies may occur. You should use a different or additional means of birth control while you are taking tetracyclines. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional. Before having surgery (including dental surgery) with a general anesthetic, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking a tetracycline. This does not apply to doxycycline, however. Tetracyclines may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine: * Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible. * Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses. * Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional. * Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips. * Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth. You may still be more sensitive to sunlight or sunlamps for 2 weeks to several months or more after stopping this medicine. If you have a severe reaction, check with your doctor. For patients taking minocycline: * Minocycline may also cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, or unsteady. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. If these reactions are especially bothersome, check with your doctor.