Tetracycline/Chlortetracycline, Ophthalmic

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antibiotic

Generic and brand names: tetracycline, ophthalmic; Achromycin Ophthalmic

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine, in the form of eyedrops or ointment, is used in your eyes to treat infections and inflammation.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Use this medicine in your eye(s) exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Do not use more or more often than prescribed. You must use this medicine regularly in order for it to be effective. Use this medicine as many times a day as prescribed. Do not stop using this medicine even if your eye(s) seem better. Only your health care provider can tell you when to stop using this medicine. If you stop too soon, the infection may return.

Wash your hands before putting medicine in your eyes.

If you have the ointment:

Hold the tube of ointment in your hand for a minute or two to warm the medicine so it will flow easily from the tube. When you use the medicine for the first time, squeeze out a little of the medicine and throw it away because it may be dry.

Look up, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Holding the tube directly above your eye, squeeze a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ribbon of ointment into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and roll your eyes in all directions to spread the medicine around. Do not rub your eyes.

Your vision will be blurred for a few minutes after applying ointment to your eyes. Avoid activities that require good vision until your vision is no longer blurry.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not touch the tip of the tube to your eye or any other surface. After use, wipe the tip of the tube with a clean tissue. Replace the cap tightly.

If you have the drops:

If your eyedrops are not a clear solution, shake the bottle well before using the drops.

Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes.

To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface. After use, put the cap on tightly. Do not rinse the dropper. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use this medicine for other eye conditions unless your health care provider approves. Do not share eye medicines with others.

If your eyes do not get better in a few days or if they get worse, contact your health care provider.

This medicine may cause your eyes to sting or burn. Also, your vision may be blurred for a short time right after you use the medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you can see clearly.

This medicine may make your eyes more sensitive to light. Wear dark glasses outdoors to lessen your discomfort.

Ask your health care provider about using any other medicines in your eyes while you are using this medicine (including nonprescription products). You may need to allow some time between applications of the different medicines.

If you wear contact lenses, ask your health care provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Pale skin; weakness; sore throat; fever; bruising; bleeding; any new redness, irritation, or inflammation that develops while you are using the medicine.

Other: Stinging or burning in your eyes, blurred vision.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, be sure that your health care provider knows about any other products you are using in your eyes.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.