Chemocycline

Description

Chemocycline Capsule

Generic Name: Tetracycline Hydrochloride

Manufacturer: Chemi Drug Industries Pvt. Ltd.

Availability: Nepal

Indications

Chemocycline Capsule is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including:

• Acne
• Lyme disease
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Psittacosis
• Q fever
• Pleural effusions (fluid around the lungs)
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Lymphogranuloma venereum
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections
• Trachoma
• Nongonococcal urethritis
• Vibrio cholera infections
• Brucellosis

Dosage and Administration

Route: Oral

Important: Take on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water, while in an upright position. If gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, it may be taken with meals.

Adult Dose:

• Susceptible Infections: 250-500 mg every 6 hours. Maximum: 4 g per day.
• Acne: 250-500 mg daily, in divided doses, for at least 3 months.
• Syphilis: 500 mg 4 times daily for 15 days.
• Gonorrhea: 500 mg 4 times daily for 7 days.
• Vibrio Cholera: 500 mg 4 times daily for 3 days.
• Brucellosis: 500 mg 4 times daily for 3 weeks, in combination with streptomycin.
• Hepatic Impairment: Maximum: 1 g daily.

Child Dose:

• Children <8 years: Not recommended.
• Children >8 years: 25–50 mg/kg/day, given every 6 hours. Do not exceed 3 g/day.

Renal Impairment Dosage Adjustments:

• Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) 50-80 mL/min: Dose frequency every 8-12 hours.
• CrCl 10-50 mL/min: Dose frequency every 12-24 hours.
• CrCl <10 mL/min: Dose frequency every 24 hours.

Contraindications

Do not use Chemocycline Capsule if you have:

• Hypersensitivity to tetracycline.
• Pregnancy or lactation.
• Renal impairment.
• Children under 8 years of age.

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with pre-existing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) or myasthenia gravis.
• Caution is advised in patients with hepatic and mild to moderate renal impairment.
• Patient Counseling: Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or UV light during treatment as it can cause photosensitivity.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of renal, hepatic, and hematologic function tests, temperature, WBC count, cultures and sensitivity, appetite, and mental status is recommended.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Tetracycline is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to potential adverse effects on fetal and infant development (e.g., tooth discoloration).

Interactions

• Impaired Absorption: Absorption may be reduced by antacids containing divalent and trivalent cations (e.g., aluminum, calcium, magnesium), iron, zinc, sodium bicarbonate preparations, kaolin-pectin, bismuth subsalicylate, sucralfate, strontium ranelate, colestipol, and colestyramine. Separate administration times.
• Antibiotics: May interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin.
• Anticoagulants: May potentiate the effect of anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), increasing bleeding risk.
• Oral Contraceptives: May decrease the efficacy of oral contraceptives.
• Nephrotoxic Drugs: Nephrotoxic effects may be exacerbated by diuretics or other nephrotoxic drugs.
• Antidiabetic Drugs: May increase the hypoglycemic effect of insulin and sulfonylureas in patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Other Drugs: May increase the toxic effects of ergot alkaloids and methotrexate.
• Potentially Fatal Interactions:
  • Concurrent use with methoxyflurane may result in fatal renal toxicity.
  • Increased risk of benign intracranial hypertension with Vitamin A or retinoids (e.g., acitretin, isotretinoin, tretinoin).

Adverse Effects

Common Side Effects (>10%):

• Discoloration of teeth and enamel hypoplasia (especially in young children).

Less Common Side Effects (1-10%):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight)

Rare Side Effects (<1%):

• Anorexia
• Abdominal cramps
• Antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis
• Bulging fontanels in infants
• Diabetes insipidus syndrome
• Esophagitis
• Exfoliative dermatitis (severe skin peeling)
• Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)
• Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart)
• Pseudotumor cerebri (false brain tumor)
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Pruritus (itching)
• Pigmentation of nails
• Vomiting

Potentially Fatal Adverse Effects:

• Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
• Hepatotoxicity (liver damage)
• Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)
• Blood dyscrasias (blood disorders)

Mechanism of Action

Tetracycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that works by reversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria. This action prevents protein synthesis and halts bacterial cell growth. It possesses a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against various Chlamydiaceae, Mycoplasma species, Rickettsia species, spirochetes, many aerobic and anaerobic gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, and some protozoa.

Important Note: The information provided about Chemocycline Capsule is for general reference and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.