tetracycline

Tetracycline antibiotics can affect teeth that are still developing in young children. The teeth might permanently turn a yellow, gray, or brown color. In some cases, the teeth might not grow to be as strong because the medication might also affect the enamel of the teeth. Teeth development problems can also happen to an unborn baby if tetracycline is taken during the second half of pregnancy. People who are pregnant and young children should avoid tetracycline unless there isn't a safer alternative.

Like all antibiotics, tetracycline can raise your risk of developing infectious diarrhea. Normally, normal bacteria in your gut usually keep a specific bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) under control. But when antibiotics change the amount of the normal bacteria, C. diff can overgrow in your gut, lead to an infection, and cause severe diarrhea. C. diff diarrhea can be very contagious and can lead to life-threatening dehydration. Get medical attention right away if you experience rapid heart rate, foul-smelling diarrhea, fever, nausea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day). You might need to get tested for C. diff infection and receive treatment.

Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause you to get a sunburn more easily. Make sure to wear sun-protective clothing and use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you go outside, even on overcast days and during the winter. Also avoid tanning beds while you're taking tetracycline.

Tetracycline antibiotic use (like with ) might be linked to high pressure around the brain, a condition called intracranial hypertension. You might be a higher risk if you're also taking an acne medication called isotretinoin because it's also known to cause this problem. This high pressure around the brain usually goes away after you stop taking tetracycline, but permanent vision problems is possible. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience headaches and changes in your eyesight, including blurry vision, double vision, or vision loss.

Avoid using tetracycline if you're pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, as it can harm your unborn baby. Based on findings from animal studies, tetracycline can cross the placenta and have harmful effects on the growth and development of your unborn baby's teeth and bones. Similarly, premature babies who take tetracycline might not grow as quickly because the medication affects growing bones. If you're pregnant, you shouldn't take tetracycline unless your provider says it's absolutely necessary.