Drug NameSumycin (Tetracycline)
Drug UsesSumycin is used for treating infections caused by certain bacteria.
Drug Class and MechanismSumycin 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.
Warnings/PrecautionsDo NOT use Sumycin if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Sumycin or other tetracycline antibiotics (eg, doxycycline)
- you are taking acitretin or methoxyflurane
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Sumycin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply 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 supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have diarrhea, a stomach infection, or kidney problems
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Sumycin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Acitretin or isotretinoin because side effects, such as increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain, may occur
- Digoxin, methotrexate, methoxyflurane, or oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Sumycin
- Atovaquone, lithium, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Sumycin
Possible Side EffectsAll medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
- 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.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
- 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.
More InformationIf you have any questions about Sumycin, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Sumycin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.