Tetracycline:Afamilyof broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against a remarkably wide variety of organisms.Bacteriasusceptible totetracyclineincludeH. flu (Haemophilus influenzae), strep (Streptococcus pneumoniae),Mycoplasmapneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci,Chlamydia trachomatis, andNeisseriagonorrhoeae (the cause of gonorrhea). Tetracycline is also used to treat nongonococcalurethritis(due toUreaplasma), Rocky mountain spotted fever, typhus,chancroid、霍乱、布鲁氏菌病、炭疽病和梅毒。它is usedincombination with other medications to treat Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria associated with ulcers of thestomachandduodenum.
Tetracycline can have toxic effects ondevelopmentofbone. Therefore, tetracyclines are generally not recommended during pregnancy or nursing. Tetracyclines may cause discoloration ofteethif used in children less than 8 years of age.
Brand names includeAchromycinandSumycin.
