Core pharmacology

Class Group

ANTIBIOITIC:
TETRACYCLINE

Legacy Cicm Level

Level 3

Presentation

PO and IV

Mechanism of action

Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 30S subunit of the ribosome to prevent tRNA access

Antimicrobial Spectrum

1. Gram Positives
- Includes staph and MRSA
- Strep cover variable
2. Gram negatives
- Not pseudomonas or proteus
3. Atypical and spirochetes
- Mycoplasma, chlamydia, rickettsia, spirochetes
4. Protozoa
- Including plasmodium falciparum prophylaxis

Adverse Effects Toxicity

1. Exacerbate MG
2. Exacerbate SLE
3. Dental staining and hypoplasia in unerrupted teeth
4. Photosensitivity
5. Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhoea
6. Oesophagitis
Hepatic toxicity

Absorption

Well absorbed orally

Distribution

Widely distributed with a small amount of CSF penetration

Protein binding

50% PB

Metabolism

Hepatically metabolized

Excretion

Biliary excretion. Does not require renal dose adjustment

Half-life

T1/2 12-16 hours