Treats infections.

Brand Name(s):Helidac Therapy, Sumycin, Tetracon, Wesmycin.
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When Tetracycline Should Not Be Used:

You should not use tetracycline if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any tetracycline antibiotic (doxycycline,minocycline). Do not give this medicine to children under 8 years old because it can permanently change tooth color. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use Tetracycline:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.
• Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Tetracycline:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using penicillin, antacids (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®), a blood thinner (Coumadin®), or multivitamins or mineral supplements that contain calcium or magnesium.
• Avoid taking the medicine with milk or other dairy products.
• Birth control pills, may not work while you are using tetracycline. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using Tetracycline:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using Tetracycline:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
• Trouble swallowing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Headache, blurred vision

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Mild skin rash

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Treats infections. Belongs to a class of drugs called antibiotics.

When Flagyl Should Not Be Used:

You should not use Flagyl if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Flagyl(metronidazole).

How to Use Flagyl:

Tablet, Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• You may take the capsule, tablet, or oral liquid with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
• It is best to take the extended-release tablet on an empty stomach, one hour before you eat a meal or two hours after a meal.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Take your medicine as scheduled until it is all gone, even if your symptoms go away. If you stop taking Flagyl(metronidazole) too soon, your infection may return.
• If you do not get better in a few days or if your symptoms get worse, call your doctor.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at one time.

How to Store and Dispose of Flagyl:

• Keep the medicine at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from heat, direct light, and moisture.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol or take medicine with alcohol in it, such as cold or cough medicines. Wait at least one day after stopping metronidazole before drinking alcohol.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking blood thinners such as Coumadin®, disulfiram (Antabuse®), phenobarbital (Donnatal®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), or cimetidine (Tagamet®).

Warnings While Using Flagyl:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking Flagyl.
• Check with your doctor before taking Flagyl(metronidazole) if you have liver or heart disease, a nerve disease (such as epilepsy), or a blood disorder.
• If you are taking this medicine for a genital infection, make sure that your sexual partner also gets treated, even if he or she has no symptoms.
• Because Flagyl makes some people dizzy or lightheaded, be careful when driving a car or using machinery.
• This medicine may turn your urine a reddish-brown color. This is normal.

Possible Side Effects While Using Flagyl:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Skin rash or hives
• Joint pain
• Tingling, pain, or weakness in hands or feet
• Unexplained sore throat or fever

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pain during sex or when going to the bathroom (urinating)
• Vaginal swelling, itching, or discharge
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth, metallic taste

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor