Antibiotics of the tetracycline series belong to the broad spectrum antimicrobial drugs and are effective against most bacteria, at high concentrations they help against some protozoa, but are practically useless against viruses and fungal diseases.
Application of tetracycline
Tetracycline is used either inward or outwardly. Inside it is prescribed for whooping cough, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, brucellosis, respiratory tract infections, pleuritis, bronchitis, pneumonia, inflammation of the internal cavities of the heart, gonorrhea, herpes, inflammations and infections of the urinary system. Externally tetracycline is indicated for burns, purulent inflammation and inflammation of the eyes. In some cases, a combined application is possible.
Analogs of tetracycline
The most common antibiotics of the tetracycline group include tetracycline, minocycline, metacyclin, doxycycline.
Doxycycline in its properties almost completely coincides with tetracycline and is used to treat the same diseases, with the exception of eye infections.
Minocycline and metacycline are most often used in the treatment of chlamydia and infections of the urogenital system.
Tetracycline for skin problems
With acne and acne (including acne), tetracycline is usually used orally, but in complex cases, combined therapy is possible.
Tablets are taken three times a day, before meals, because food, especially dairy products, make it difficult to absorb the drug. Dosage is calculated based on the individual characteristics of the body, but the daily dose should not be less than 0.8 g. At a lower dosage the drug is ineffective - the bacteria develop resistance to it, and in the future it is much more difficult to combat them.
With external application, the ointment is applied to the previously cleaned skin 3-4 times a day, or a dressing is used, which must be changed every 12-24 hours.
The use of tetracycline ointment can cause dry skin, therefore, during the period of treatment, you should regularly use a moisturizer.
Tetracycline is a strong antibiotic, so do not take it without first consulting a doctor.
Forms of tetracycline release
The drug is available in capsules of 0.25 grams, dragees of 0.05 grams, 0.125 grams and 0.25 grams, 0.12 grams (for children) and 0.375 grams (for adults). There is also a 10% suspension and granules of 0.03 g to make a solution. For external use, an ointment is available in tubes of 3, 7 or 10 g. 1% ointment is used to treat eye diseases, and 3% - for acne, boils, inflammations and slowly healing skin lesions.
Contraindications and allergic reactions
Contraindications to the use of tetracycline are a violation of liver function,
When treating tetracycline, sodium hydrogencarbonate, calcium supplements and preparations containing iron and magnesium should not be used for at least 2 hours before and after taking the antibiotic.
The most frequent manifestations of an allergic reaction to tetracycline are skin irritations, rashes, allergic swelling. Significantly less likely to occur allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. If an allergy occurs, stop taking the medication immediately, and in severe cases, immediately consult an allergist.