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Fact Table
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C22H24N2O8•HCl |
| License | FDA-approved tetracycline hydrochloride; Sumycin is a legacy U.S. brand and is discontinued |
| Bioavailability | ~60–80% orally in fasting adults; reduced by food, dairy, and polyvalent cations |
| Legal status | Prescription only (Rx) |
| Chemical Name | 4-(Dimethylamino)-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-3,6,10,12,12a-pentahydroxy-6-methyl-1,11-dioxo-2-naphthacenecarboxamide monohydrochloride |
| Elimination half-life | ~6–12 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) | 250 mg and 500 mg oral capsules/tablets; usual adult dose 1 g/day as 500 mg twice daily or 250 mg four times daily |
| Pregnancy | Pregnancy Category D – avoid in pregnancy unless absolutely necessary |
| Brands | Sumycin; generic tetracycline hydrochloride |
| Protein binding | ~20–67% |
| PubChem CID | 54675776 |
| MedlinePlus | a682098 |
| ChEBI | 27902 |
| ATC code | J01AA07 |
| DrugBank | DB00759 |
| KEGG | D00201 |
| Routes of administration | By mouth (oral capsules/tablets) |
Sumycin (tetracycline hydrochloride) is a widely used antibiotic that treats various bacterial infections throughout the body. It works by blocking bacteria's ability to make proteins, which stops them from growing and spreading. Sumycin may be prescribed for infections like respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, acne, and certain sexually transmitted diseases caused by susceptible bacteria.
Directions
Tetracycline should be taken by mouth on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after eating any food or snacks. Swallow the capsules with a full glass of water to help prevent irritation of the esophagus. Avoid taking this medication with dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese, or ice cream, as these can interfere with absorption.
The typical dosing schedule will vary depending on the infection being treated. The standard daily dose is 500 mg twice daily or 250 mg four times daily. A higher dosage of 500 mg four times daily may be used for severe infections. Treatment duration may last anywhere from 7 to 10 days or longer.
Follow the instructions of your doctor or healthcare provider while taking Sumycin.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Sumycin is tetracycline.
Cautions
Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
- Any existing health conditions
- Any allergies
- A list of all medications currently being taken
Do not use in children under 8 or during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Sumycin can permanently discolor teeth and affect bone growth in young children and unborn babies.
Severe diarrhea can occur, even weeks later. Antibiotics like Sumycin can cause a serious infection called C. difficile associated diarrhea. Contact a healthcare provider if persistent or severe diarrhea occur during or after treatment.
Sun sensitivity is possible. Sumycin can make the skin burn more easily in sunlight or tanning beds.
Serious skin reactions can occur. If you develop blistering, rash, or worsening skin reactions, stop the medication and seek medical care immediately.
Increased pressure in the brain is rare but serious. Symptoms may include severe headache, blurred or double vision, or vision loss. Seek medical attention if these occur.
This drug can affect the liver and kidneys. People with kidney problems are at higher risk of side effects and may need dose adjustments and lab monitoring.
Do not mix with certain medications or supplements. Antacids, iron, calcium, zinc, and some antibiotics (like penicillin) can reduce how well Sumycin works. It may also make birth control pills less effective.
Finish the full course. Even if you feel better, take Sumycin exactly as prescribed to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Use caution if breastfeeding. Because of potential risks to infants, discuss with a healthcare provider whether to stop nursing or the medication.
Contraindications
Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:
- Allergy to tetracycline or related antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Children under 8 years old
Side Effects
Common side effects of Sumycin include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach discomfort
These side effects are usually mild and related to the stomach. Some people may also develop a sore throat or pain when swallowing, especially if the capsule or tablet is taken right before lying down. Taking the medication with a full glass of water and staying upright can help lower this risk.
More serious side effects are less common but possible. Sumycin can cause permanent tooth discoloration if used during tooth development, skin reactions including rash or sun sensitivity, and, rarely, liver or kidney problems.
Severe allergic reactions, blood disorders, or worsening lupus symptoms have also been reported.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sumycin
What is Sumycin used for?
Sumycin is a brand name for tetracycline, an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections. It may be used for infections involving the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, intestines, and some other susceptible bacterial infections. It does not treat viral illnesses such as colds or the flu.
How should tetracycline be taken?
Tetracycline is commonly taken on an empty stomach, usually at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. It should be taken with a full glass of water and exactly as prescribed. Food, especially dairy products, can reduce absorption and make the medicine less effective.
What should be avoided while taking Sumycin?
Antacids and supplements containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc can interfere with tetracycline absorption. Dairy products can also reduce how much medicine the body absorbs. It is important to separate tetracycline from these products based on the instructions from the prescriber or pharmacist.
What are the most common side effects of tetracycline?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, and loss of appetite. Some people may also develop mouth soreness or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Mild effects may improve as treatment continues, but worsening symptoms should be reported.
Can tetracycline make skin more sensitive to the sun?
Yes. Tetracycline can cause photosensitivity, which means the skin may burn more easily in sunlight or under tanning lamps. Extra sun protection is often needed during treatment, including protective clothing and limiting direct sun exposure.
Who should not usually take Sumycin?
Tetracycline is generally avoided during pregnancy, breastfeeding in many cases, and in children younger than 8 years old unless a clinician decides it is necessary. This is because it can affect developing teeth and bones, including causing permanent tooth discoloration.
Are there serious risks with tetracycline?
Serious but less common risks include severe allergic reactions, significant diarrhea related to antibiotic use, liver problems, and worsening kidney-related concerns in some patients. Ongoing severe diarrhea, rash, trouble breathing, or yellowing of the skin or eyes should be treated as urgent concerns.
Can tetracycline interact with other medicines?
Yes. Tetracycline can interact with antacids, mineral supplements, some seizure medicines, blood thinners, and certain other antibiotics or prescription drugs. Because interactions can change how well the drug works or increase side effects, all medicines and supplements should be reviewed before use.
What happens if a dose is missed?
A missed dose is usually taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose is usually skipped and the regular schedule resumed. Two doses should not be taken at the same time.
Why is it important to finish the full course?
Finishing the full prescribed course helps fully treat the infection and reduces the chance that bacteria survive and become harder to treat later. Stopping early, even after symptoms improve, can lead to treatment failure or antibiotic resistance.
