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What happens if I miss a dose (Ala-Tet, Sumycin)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Ala-Tet, Sumycin)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What should I avoid while taking tetracycline (Ala-Tet, Sumycin)?

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Tetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking tetracycline.

What other drugs will affect tetracycline (Ala-Tet, Sumycin)?

Before taking tetracycline, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

• cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
• isotretinoin (Accutane);
• tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A, Vesanoid);
• an antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, and others;
• a product that contains bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol;
• minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
• a penicillin antibiotic such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, others), penicillin (BeePen-VK, Pen-Vee K, Veetids, others), dicloxacillin (Dynapen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), oxacillin (Bactocill), and others.

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with tetracycline. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about tetracycline.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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