Drug Name

Sumycin (Tetracycline)

Drug Uses

This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is also used with other medicines for treating acne. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, take this medicine 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take this medicine 2-3 hours before or after taking any products containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, antacids, dairy products (e.g., milk or yogurt), calcium-enriched juice, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. These products bind with tetracycline preventing its full absorption.

Drug Class and Mechanism

This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is also used with other medicines for treating acne. This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store this medicine at room temperature away from heat and light.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or are allergic to any ingredient in this product, or to any tetracycline antibiotic. It may take several days for this medicine to work. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function, kidney function, or blood count may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. This medicine may affect certain lab test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. The use of medicines of the tetracycline class (such as doxycycline) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow, gray, or brown) during tooth development. If you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. If moderate to severe diarrhea occurs during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women taking birth control pills, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control. For women: this medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible Side Effects

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, red or blistered skin, vaginal irritation or discharge, headache, joint pain, unusual tiredness, or blurred vision. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness; fever; chest pain; sore tongue; or unusual bleeding or bruising. 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, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

More Information

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.