DRUG TITLE

Sumycin (Tetracycline)

APPLICATION

Sumycin is an antibiotic that is used for the treatment of certain bacterial infections.

MODE OF APPLICATION

Sumycin can be taken by mouth with at least 1 hour or 2 hours after eating. Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday.

The drug is to be taken with a full glass of water. Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after taking the drug.

If you are taking antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, preparations containing bismuth, iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate, or calcium rich foods (eg, milk, dairy products, calcium-enriched juices) then space out your dosage by at least 2 to 3 hours before or after taking the drug.

Do not stop without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

Sumycin is a is a tetracycline antibiotic that interferes with the formation of the protein that is needed for the bacteria to grow. Once the growth of the bacteria is stunned, the body’s defense mechanism takes over and kills it.

MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose of Sumycin then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

STORAGE

Store this medication at room temperature away from heat and light.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

DO NOT use Sumycin, if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Sumycin or other tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline)
• you are taking acitretin or methoxyflurane

Contact your doctor immediately if any of these items apply to you.
Some medicines may interact with Sumycin. Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following applies to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances
• if you have diarrhea, stomach infection, or kidney problems

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

• Acitretin or isotretinoin because it may cause side effects like increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain.
• Digoxin, methotrexate, methoxyflurane, or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because Tetracycline increases the risk of their side effects
• Tetracycline Atovaquone, lithium, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin)  because their effectiveness is reduced.

SIDE EFFECTS

Some of the common side effects of are Black hairy tongue, blurred vision, bulky loose stools, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, fever, headache, hives, hoarseness, indigestion, inflammation or redness of tongue, joint pain, loss of appetite, mouth sores, nausea, rash, sensitivity to sunlight, sore throat, stomach pain, swelling and itching of the rectum. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), infection (fever, chills, sore throat), itching, nausea, severe skin reaction to the sun, vaginal irritation or discharge, vomiting.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have any questions about Sumycin, please consult your doctor.
Sumycin should be used only on prescription.
If symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.