Tetracycline is an antibiotic. It is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria such as conjunctivitis (redness and inflammation of the membranes covering the white part of eyes) and trachoma (an eye infection which causes scarring of the inside of the eyelid and may lead to blindness when left untreated).
It is also used to prevent conjunctivitis that may be contracted by newborns during delivery.
Use Tetracycline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Apply Tetracycline eye ointment in the affected eye(s) exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Wash and dry your hands before applying the ointment.
- With your index finger, pull the lower eyelid down the eye to form a pouch.
- Hold the tube with your other hand and place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment (about 1-1.5 cm) into the pouch.
- Gently close your eyes and keep them closed for 1-2 minutes and rotate the eyeball in all directions to enable the spread of the ointment on the entire eye surface.
- Wipe any excess ointment from the eyelids and lashes with a clean tissue. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
- Replace and tighten the cap of the tube.
- Wash your hands to remove any medication.
Do not share your eye ointment with anyone else.
When used to prevent conjunctivitis in newborns, it is given as a single application within 1 hour after delivery.
Use this medicine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not use this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Tetracycline or similar antibiotics such as doxycycline, lymecycline, minocycline or oxytetracycline.
Do not give this medicine to children below 8 years old unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not wear contact lenses while you are being treated with Tetracycline.
Tetracycline may cause your vision to be temporarily blurred. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: itching, burning or stinging sensation of the eye or eyelid, swelling of the eyelid, and excessive tear discharge.
If you develop rashes, itching and swelling of eyelids, reddening of eyes, swollen face or throat, stop using the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using any of these medicines:
- other antibiotics for the eye e.g. tobramycin
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. hydrocortisone, dexamethasone
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Throw away any remaining eye ointment 28 days after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye ointment tube so that you know when to discard it.
Sign Out
