By Dr. A.J. MorganDear Readers,
C.K. is a 27-year-old female who visited a dermatologist and received "orange and yellow 250mg capsules," that is, TETRACYCLINE antibiotic, along with other medication for acne vulgaris. She writes LIFELINE asking for an explanation of "what kind of danger these capsules could pose" to her during intercourse.
The dermatologist she saw did not indicate that risk was involved when taking Tetracycline but the general practitioner who reviewed her, advised her to "use a condom during sex" while taking the medication because to become pregnant while using the capsules could damage the child.
C.K. asks what, exactly, could befall the child from her use of Tetracycline in a pregnancy and are there other harmful effects she should know about.
Although Tetracycline, like all medications, can have side effects if taken improperly, C.K. really does not need to panic.
Tetracycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic which works by slowing down the multiplication of bacteria. It is used in the treatment of a number of infections including its common use in the treatment of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (P.I.D.), that is womb infections secondary to sexually transmitted diseases and acne vulgaris.
It has, however, long been documented that females should not take Tetracycline's orally in the last half of their pregnancies when tooth development occurs in the infant, or while breast feeding. This is because this drug (in its several presentations) can cause PERMANENT DISCOLOURATION of the infants' teeth (a yellow, gray, or brown colour). This reaction is, however, more commonly seen during long-term courses.
In similar fashion, if the Tetracycline is taken by infants or children, or at any time before the permanent teeth have completely changed in, the permanent discoloration of the teeth can still occur.
Tetracycline can also have a "toxic" effect on the developing infant when taken by the pregnant mother, resulting in retardation of skeletal development.
Other minor side effects of Tetracycline usage include an increased sensitivity to sunlight which can result in an exaggerated sunburn reaction in some people. When this occurs the medication should be discontinued. Loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, dermatitis and benign intracranial hypertension are all reactions which have been documented after using Tetracycline.
After all is said, the side effects and possible adverse reactions which can occur due to the use of the Tetracycline or any other commonly used medication must be put in proper perspective.
Side effects are uncommonly seen in this drug which has been on the market for decades and, for the main part, has been used safely for decades. Practitioners of medicine have a duty to explain to their patients the possible side effects of drug use as well as the benefits. This ought not to result in the patient "fearing' the drug.
Drugs prescribed by physicians in Jamaica have been approved for use by our local drug counsel here in Jamaica (and usually also by the FDA in the U.S.A.). The fact that the use of Tetracycline has been proven to be safe and effective for decades should reassure C.K. that once simple guidelines for drug use are followed she will probably experience no side effects at all and benefit by having "clear" skin, free of pimples.
A.J.M.
Do you have a health question? Write to:
Lifeline c/o THE STAR
7 North Street, Kingston.
