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Tetracyclines Overview

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Tetracyclines Overview

Tetracyclines Overview

Tetris-cycle
Picmonic
This group of antibiotics are broad-spectrum and are active against a wide variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. These drug names are easily recalled by their “-cycline” ending, and work against a variety of infectious disease, acne and periodontal disease. These medications should not be taken with calcium supplements, milk products, iron supplements, magnesium-containing laxatives, and most antacids, as they decrease tetracycline absorption.
7 KEY FACTS
End in "-cycline"
Cycle

These medications can be distinguished by their common suffix, as these drug names end with “-cycline.” Examples of common medications include Doxycycline, Minocycline, Demeclocycline and Tetracycline.

MECHANISM OF ACTION
Bacteriostatic
Bacteria-shocked

This class of medication works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, as they bind to ribosomal subunits within their cells. These medications don’t directly kill bacteria, but inhibit their growth, making tetracycline medications bacteriostatic.

INDICATIONS
Infectious Diseases
Infectious Bacteria

Tetracyclines are indicated for a variety of infectious diseases, including Rickettsia, Chlamydia trachomatis, Cholera, Lyme disease, and H.pylori. An interesting fact is that demeclocycline is used to treat SIADH, which is not an infectious process.

Acne
Acne

Tetracyclines are often used for the treatment of moderate to severe acne, as they suppress growth of P. acnes.

Periodontal Disease
Around-the-mouth Disease

Tetracycline antibiotics are used in patients with periodontal disease, as they help limit the growth of bacteria such as actinobacillus. Furthermore, these medications block the actions of collagenase, which destroys connective tissue and bone in the mouth.

NURSING CONSIDERATIONS
Avoid Milk, Antacids, Iron
Avoiding Milk, Ant-acid, and Iron

Divalent cations like calcium and iron bind directly to tetracyclines and prevent their absorption in the small intestine, thereby decreasing effectiveness. Orally administered tetracyclines should not be taken with the consumption of foods or supplements with high amounts of divalent cations like milk, antacids, or iron by at least one or two hours.

Sunlight Protection
Sunscreen

Patients should be advised to protect themselves from excessive sunlight, as this medication leads to increased photosensitivity. Appropriate precautions include using sunscreen, wearing long-sleeved clothing and hats, as well as limiting time in the sun.

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