Tetracycline
Also known as: Aquadrops, Panmycin, Sumycin, Polyotic, Delta Albaplex
* **Administration**: Give this medication on an empty stomach if possible. Avoid giving within 1-2 hours of feeding, or giving milk/dairy products, as these can significantly decrease drug absorption. * **GI Upset**: If your pet vomits or acts nauseated, giving the medication with a small amount of non-dairy food may help, though it may reduce the drug's effectiveness slightly. * **Sunlight**: This medication may make your pet's skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). Avoid prolonged sun exposure. * **Discoloration**: Be aware that in young, growing animals, this drug can cause permanent yellow or brown staining of the teeth.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Susceptible infections
- Soft tissue infections
- Hemotropic mycoplasmosis
- Bacteremia, systemic infections
- Rickettsial diseases
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections
- Susceptible infections in calves
- Susceptible infections in calves
- Susceptible infections
- Treatment of psittacosis
- Mild respiratory disease (flock treatment)
- Susceptible infections
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea)
- Discoloration of developing teeth and bones (yellow/brown/gray)
- Delayed bone growth and healing in young animals
- Superinfections (bacterial or fungal overgrowth)
- Photosensitivity
- Urolith formation (with long-term use in dogs)
- Hepatotoxicity and blood dyscrasias (rare)
- Cats: Colic, fever, hair loss, depression (poorly tolerated)
- Horses: Severe diarrhea (especially if stressed)
- Ruminants: Ruminal microflora depression and stasis (high oral doses)
- Injection site reactions (IM): Local necrosis and yellow staining
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
- Pregnancy (last half) - retards fetal skeletal development and discolors teeth
- Young, growing animals (unless benefits outweigh risks)
- > **Extreme Caution**: Pregnancy (Category D). Can cause congenital malformations, embryotoxicity, and discoloration of deciduous teeth. * **Renal/Hepatic Impairment**: Use cautiously. Lower dosages and enhanced monitoring are recommended. Avoid concurrent nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic drugs. * **Cats**: Do not tolerate oral tetracycline well; monitor closely for adverse effects. * **IV Administration**: Rapid IV injection can cause transient collapse and cardiac arrhythmias due to calcium chelation. Administer slowly or pre-treat with IV calcium gluconate if rapid injection is necessary.
Drug interactions
- Atovaquone: Tetracyclines may decrease atovaquone levels.
- Beta-lactam or Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: Theoretical antagonism of bactericidal activity, though clinical significance is doubtful.
- Digoxin: May increase bioavailability of digoxin, potentially causing toxicity that persists for months.
- Divalent or Trivalent Cations (Antacids, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Bismuth): Chelation occurs, significantly decreasing the absorption of tetracycline. Separate doses by at least 1-2 hours.
- Methoxyflurane: Concomitant use can cause fatal nephrotoxicity.
- Sucralfate: May impair oral absorption of tetracycline; separate dosing by at least 2 hours.
- Warfarin: May depress plasma prothrombin activity; anticoagulant dosage adjustment may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tetracycline used for in pets?
* **Administration**: Give this medication on an empty stomach if possible. Avoid giving within 1-2 hours of feeding, or giving milk/dairy products, as these can significantly decrease drug absorption. * **GI Upset**: If your pet vomits or acts nauseated, giving the medication with a small amount of non-dairy food may help, though it may reduce the drug's effectiveness slightly. * **Sunlight**: This medication may make your pet's skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). Avoid prolonged sun exposure. * **Discoloration**: Be aware that in young, growing animals, this drug can cause permanent yellow or brown staining of the teeth.
Is Tetracycline safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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