Tetracycline ointment (Sumycin)

Tetracycline is used to treat different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and others.

Therapeutic actions:
Sumycin is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by slowing the growth of sensitive bacteria by interfering with the production of proteins needed by the bacteria to grow. Slowing the bacteria's growth allows the body's defense mechanisms to destroy them.

What is it used for?:
Sumycin, is used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections;
acne;
infections of skin, genital and urinary systems;
and the infection that causes stomach ulcers (Helicobacter pylori). It also may be used as an alternative to other medications for the treatment of Lyme disease and for the treatment and prevention of anthrax (after inhalational exposure). Sumycin is in a class of medications called Sumycin antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Contraindications and cautions:
• allergy to any ingredient in Sumycin or other tetracycline antibiotics (eg, doxycycline);
• taking acitretin or methoxyflurane.

Side effects:
black hairy tongue; blurred vision; bulky loose stools; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; fever; headache; hives; indigestion; sore throat; inflammation or redness of tongue; joint pain; loss of appetite; mouth sores; swelling and itching of the rectum; nausea; rash; sensitivity to sunlight; diarrhea; stomach pain.

Interactions:
• Acitretin or isotretinoin may provoke side effects, such as increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain;
• Sumycin may increase the risk of side effects of digoxin,
methotrexate, methoxyflurane, or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin); • Sumycin may decrease effectiveness of atovaquone, lithium, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin).