Care should be taken to avoid extravasation. Oral therapy should be substituted as soon as possible. Commercial preparations of tetracyclines may contain sulfites which may cause hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, with a higher incidence among asthmatic individuals. Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Patients should be warned to avoid exposure to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light while taking tetracycline drugs and treatment should be discontinued at the first sign of skin discomfort.
Tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue.
This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued. Tetracycline administration may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms. Suprainfections due to staphylococci and other organisms may occur during oral therapy but rarely during parenteral administration. If suprainfections are encountered, tetracyclines should be discontinued and appropriate therapy started. Although rare, suprainfection of the bowel involving staphylococci may be life threatening.