Tetracycline, as well as other antibiotics, should be taken for the full prescribed dose. Long-term use for months to years, while generally safe, requires periodic physician evaluation. Some of these are mild such as a stomach upset, which may be avoided by taking the medication with food. Minor reactions may go away on their own but if they persist, contact the physician. For major reactions, the patient should contact the physician immediately.
Most antibiotics taken by mouth are fairly safe.
However, resistance to these drugs does occur when they are used too often. Therefore, they should only be used for specific purposes and for the length of time decided by the physician. Copyright 1998 Jackson Gastroenterology. All Rights Reserved.