Tetracycline ↔ Vitamin A
Combining these medications may increase the risk of a rare but potentially serious condition caused by increased pressure in the brain. In some cases, this can lead to permanent vision loss.
Tetracycline ↔ Isotretinoin
Combining these medications may increase the risk of a rare but potentially serious condition caused by increased pressure in the brain also.
Tetracycline ↔ lomitapide, Mipomersen
Lomitapide or Mipomersen may cause liver problems, and using it with other medications that can also affect the liver such as tetracycline may increase that risk.
Tetracycline ↔ Methoxyflurane
Both medications can be harmful to the kidneys, and these effects are increased when the medications are used together.
Tetracycline ↔ multivitamins with minerals
Iron can bind to tetracycline in the gastrointestinal tract, which may prevent their absorption into the bloodstream and possibly reduce their effectiveness. To avoid or minimize the interaction, iron-containing medications and tetracycline should preferably be taken at least three hours apart in most cases.
Tetracycline ↔ PENICILLIN
Since bacteriostatic drugs like tetracycline may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracycline in conjunction with penicillin.
Tetracycline ↔ ANTICOAGULANTS
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.
Tetracycline ↔ ANTACIDS
Absorption of tetracycline is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, and iron containing preparations. You should take tetracycline one hour before or two hours after taking antacids, calcium supplements, and laxatives containing magnesium.
Tetracycline ↔ ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Concurrent use of tetracycline may render oral contraceptives less effective. You should use another method of birth control while taking this medication.
Tetracycline ↔ Aminophylline ephedrine / Guaifenesin / Phenobarbital
Using tetracycline together with any of these drugs may increase the effects of aminophylline.
Drug-food interaction
Tetracycline works best when taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If stomach upset occurs, ask your doctor if you can take this medication with food. Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 10 minutes after taking this medication. For this reason, do not take it right before bedtime.
Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium.
Follow the same instructions with dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc.
This medication may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should avoid unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure while taking tetracycline.
Drug-disease interaction
Tetracycline ↔ Colitis
Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with most antibacterial agents and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening, with an onset of up to two months following cessation of therapy. Antibiotic therapy can alter the normal flora of the colon and permit overgrowth of Clostridium difficile, whose toxin is believed to be a primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and other agents with significant antibacterial activity should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis.
Tetracyclines↔ Hepatotoxicity
Histologic fatty changes of the liver, elevated liver enzymes and jaundice have been reported, primarily in patients treated with large doses of intravenous tetracycline hydrochloride but also in patients receiving high oral doses of these drugs. Therapy with tetracycline should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease or biliary obstruction. Reduced dosages may be appropriate, particularly with minocycline and doxycycline.
Tetracyclines ↔ Renal Dysfunction
Tetracyclines (except doxycycline) are eliminated by the kidney to various extents. Patients with renal impairment may be at greater risk for tetracycline-associated hepatic and/or renal toxicity (increased BUN with consequent azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis) due to decreased drug clearance.
Tetracyclines ↔ Esophageal Irritation
The use of oral tetracycline capsules and tablets has been associated with esophageal irritation and ulceration in patients who ingested the drug without sufficient fluid shortly before bedtime. Therapy with solid formulations of tetracyclines should preferably be avoided in patients with esophageal obstruction, compression or dyskinesia. If the drugs are used, patients should be advised not to take the medication just before retiring and to drink fluids liberally.