Antibiotic Tetracycline has serious side effects: Health Ministry

If you often rely on antibiotics for treating illnesses, this important information from India’s Health Ministry may be relevant to you. The Ministry has issued a warning regarding Tetracycline, a commonly used antibiotic for conditions such as typhus, tick fever, respiratory infections, cholera, and malaria. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has highlighted the potential for severe adverse reactions when using Tetracycline, especially dangerous skin reactions that could become life-threatening if left untreated.

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Like all antibiotics, Tetracycline is a prescription medication, meaning it should not be used without a doctor’s approval. The IPC has advised both doctors and patients to exercise caution when using this drug. According to their findings, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have been reported, including Fixed Drug Eruption (FDE), which can manifest when Tetracycline is used to treat conditions such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, rickettsial pox, and respiratory tract infections.

Common side effects of Tetracycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and a swollen tongue. More serious side effects may include headaches, blurred vision, skin rashes, difficulty breathing, and joint pain. If any of these severe symptoms occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, serious reactions like chest pain, unusual bleeding, or even watery or bloody stools may indicate a more severe issue that requires prompt intervention.

India is currently the world’s largest consumer of antibiotics, and with the IPC's efforts to monitor adverse drug reactions, patients are urged to report any unusual symptoms to help ensure safe use of medications. The IPC and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) play a key role in ensuring that medicines remain safe and effective for the public.