G-Tetracycline

Wash the eyes with boiled and cooled water before each application. Use sterile sodium chloride 0.9% for newborns. Apply tetracycline 1% into the conjunctival sac of both eyes: Conjunctivitis : one application 2 times daily for 7 days Trachoma : one application 2 times daily for 6 weeks Prevention of neonatal conjunctivitis : one single application immediately after birth

Tetracycline exhibits its bacteriostatic action by reversibly binding to the 30S subunits of the ribosome, thus preventing protein synthesis and arresting cell growth. It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity including Chlamydiaceae, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., spirochaetes, many aerobic and anaerobic gm+ve and gm-ve pathogenic bacteria and some protozoa.

Burning, irritation, visual disturbances, superinfections, photosensitivity, hypersensitivity

Do not use in patients with hypersensitivity to tetracyclines. May cause allergic reactions; stop treatment in the event of a serious reaction.

Hepatic impairment. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Periodic evaluation of renal, hepatic and haematological system during prolonged therapy.

Impaired absorption with antacids containing divalent and trivalent cations (e.g. Al, Ca, Mg), Fe, Zn and Na bicarbonate preparations, kaolin-pectin, bismuth subsalicylate, sucralfate, strontium ranelate, colestipol and colestyramine. May interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin. May potentiate the effect of anticoagulants. May decrease efficacy of oral contraceptives. Nephrotoxic effects may be exacerbated by diuretics or other nephrotoxic drugs. May increase the hypoglycaemic effect of insulin and sulfonylureas in patients with DM. May increase toxic effects of ergot alkaloids and methotrexate.