Drug Info
- Drug Name: Tetracycline
- Common Name: Panmycin®, Polytic®, Achromycin®, Sumycin®, Tetralan®
- Drug Type: Broad spectrum antibiotic
- Used For: Bacterial infections
- Species: Dogs, Cats
- Administered: Tablets, Capsules, Oral liquid
- How Dispensed: Prescription only
- FDA Approved: Yes
General Description
Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic. It is used to fight bacterial infections in dogs and cats. Tetracycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections including, leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, mycoplasma, psittacosis, and tick borne diseases including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
How It Works
Tetracycline binds to specific cell parts (ribosomes) of the bacteria and inhibit the protein synthesis, thus not allowing the bacteria to grow and divide. The process of shutting the protien synthesis down is not rapid. For this reason treatments using Tetracycline are generally termed as a long term treatment. It takes some time after the process is shut down until NSAIDs work by reducing the enzyme COX-2. These enzymes are involved in the formation of prostaglandins, which cause swelling and inflammation. Reduction of these factors reduce the pain and inflammation your pet experiences.
Storage Information
Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature.
Missed Dose?
If you miss a dose, give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give your pet two doses at once.
Side Effects and Drug Reactions
Tetracycline may result in these side effects:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tooth discoloration
- Delayed bone growth and healing
- Damage to the liver or kidneys
- Sensitivity to light
- Abnormal blood conditions
- Swallowing difficulties
Tetracycline may make your pet have breathing or swallowing problems. It is best to follow tablet with a small amount of water.
Tetracycline may react with these drugs:
- Antacids
- Anticoagulants
- Bactericidals
- Barbiturates
- Cathartics
- Gastro-intestinal protectants
- Glucocorticoids
- Oral iron supplements
- Aminophylline
- Digoxin
- Insulin
- Kaolin/Pectin
- Methoxyflurane
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Theophylline
USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO PREGNANT OR LACTATING PETS
USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO PETS WITH KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE
USE CAUTION WHEN ADMINISTERING THIS DRUG TO YOUNG PETS
