15th March 2024

Tetracyclines

These drugs bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis and leading to activity against both gram-positive and negative bacteria. It is used to treat a wide variety of infections from respiratory, genital and many tropical diseases.

Tetracyclines are contraindicated in the latter half of pregnancy due to the risk of hepatotoxicity and in children < 12 years due to the risk of permanent teeth staining. One should be cautious of prescribing this drug in those with myasthenia gravis and systemic lupus erythematosus, as both can be exacerbated. Rarely, tetracyclines have been associated with an increased risk of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.