Merck Manual

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Tetracyclines

By

Brian J. Werth

, PharmD, University of Washington School of Pharmacy

Reviewed/Revised Jun 2022 | Modified Sep 2022
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Topic Resources

Tetracyclines include the following:

  • Doxycycline

  • Eravacycline

  • Minocycline

  • Omadacycline

  • Tetracycline

Tetracyclines are usually taken by mouth and work by preventing bacteria from producing proteins they need to grow and multiply.

Tetracyclines should not be taken with products that contain aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or iron. Such products include some antacids and many vitamin and mineral supplements.

Tetracycline and omadacycline should be taken with plenty of water when the stomach is empty because food, especially dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream, reduces its absorption Drug Absorption Drug absorption is the movement of a drug into the bloodstream after administration. (See also Introduction to Administration and Kinetics of Drugs.) Absorption affects bioavailability—how quickly... read more (the movement of a drug into the bloodstream after it is given by mouth).

Minocycline and doxycycline can be taken with or without food because food does not reduce their absorption.

Doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline can be given by injection as well as by mouth. Eravacycline can be given only by injection in a vein.

Table

Tetracyclines

Drug

Common Uses

Some Potential Side Effects

Doxycycline

Eravacycline

Minocycline

Omadacycline

Tetracycline

Gastrointestinal upset, Clostridioides difficile–induced diarrhea

Fungal infection with the yeast Candida

Sensitivity to sunlight

Staining of teeth in the fetus if used late in pregnancy or if taken by children under 8 years of age

Use of Tetracyclines During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
Acticlate, Adoxa, Adoxa Pak, Avidoxy, Doryx, Doxal, Doxy 100, LYMEPAK, Mondoxyne NL, Monodox, Morgidox 1x, Morgidox 2x , Okebo, Oracea, Oraxyl, Periostat, TARGADOX, Vibramycin, Vibra-Tabs
XERAVA
Amzeeq, Arestin, Dynacin, Minocin, MINOLIRA, Myrac, Solodyn, Ximino, Zilxi
NUZYRA
Emtet-500, Panmycin, Sumycin
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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