Side Effects Related to Tetracycline

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Tetracycline is a commonly used acne antibiotic treatment. While it is not available over the counter; it can be obtained through prescription is primarily used to treat acne in situations where topical agents such as benzoyl peroxide are not effective due to the level of infection caused by the acne.

As with any prescription medication, it is well worth the effort to investigate any potential side effects related to the use of the product. While tetracycline has proven to be effective as an acne treatment, there is some cause for concern related to possible side effects of this product. In a study released in 2004, results indicated that tetracycline as well as other tetracycline derivatives may well be responsible for staining of the teeth as well as the oral cavity.

Besides staining of the oral cavity and teeth, further research indicates that acne treatments containing cyclones may well also cause adverse drug reactions. A study published by a hospital in France in May of 2003 indicates that ‘adverse affects of cyclines might be serious and sometimes unknown.’ The report further suggested that ‘long term treatment by tetracyclines must be researched in patients presenting such symptoms.’ Symptoms related to adverse side effects in nearly 250 cases included autoimmune disorders, hypersensitivity syndromes as well as abnormal skin pigmentations.

In addition to the reports related to teeth staining and possible drug interactions, a reported released by a university in Germany indicates that side effects related to the use of tetracycline may well include possible contraction of Sweet’s syndrome; a condition in which painful red nodules arise on various parts of the body and is also generally accompanied by fever and malaise.

A report released in February of 2000 indicated that tetracycline could also be responsible for the induction of intracranial hypertension.

Current research indicates that patients who are considering using tetracycline consider the risks associated with this acne treatment before proceeding with use.

Int J Dermatol. 2004 Oct;43(10):709-15. PubMed
Tetracycline and other tetracycline-derivative staining of the teeth and oral cavity.
Sanchez AR, Rogers RS 3rd, Sheridan PJ.
Division of Periodontics, Department of Dental Specialties, Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA

Rev Med Interne. 2003 May;24(5):305-16. PubMed
[Cyclines and acne: pay attention to adverse drug reactions! A recent
literature review]
Grasset L, Guy C, Ollagnier M.
Centre regional de pharmacovigilance, hopital de Bellevue, 42055 Saint-Etienne cedex 2, France.

Br J Dermatol. 2002 Sep;147(3):558-62. PubMed
Drug-induced Sweet's syndrome in acne caused by different tetracyclines: case report and review of the literature.
Khan Durani B, Jappe U.
Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Vosstrasse 2, D-69115 Heidelberg, Germany.

Tetracycline-induced benign intracranial hypertension.
J Paediatr Child Health. 2000 Feb;36(1):82-3. PubMed
Nagarajan L, Lam GC..

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