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Sumycin |
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What is Sumycin and why is it prescribed? Sumycin, a "broad-spectrum" antibiotic, is used to treat bacterial infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever, and tick fevers; upper respiratory infections; pneumonia; gonorrhea; amoebic infections; and urinary tract infections. It is also used to help treat severe acne and to treat trachoma and conjunctivitis. Sumycin is often an alternative drug for people who are allergic to penicillin. Sumycin should not be used during the last half of pregnancy or in children under the age of 8. It may damage developing teeth and cause permanent discoloration. How should you take Sumycin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Sumycin. Be sure to use the entire prescription. If you are taking a liquid form of the drug, shake well before using. Do not use outdated Sumycin. Outdated Sumycin is highly toxic to the kidneys. Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (e.g., Mylanta, Maalox) while taking this medication. They will affect the absorption of the drug. Take Sumycin 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Foods, milk, and some other dairy products affect absorption of the drug. Sumycin should be continued for at least 24 to 48 hours after your symptoms have subsided. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose and you take tetracycline once a day (e.g., for acne), take the dose you missed, and then take the next one 10 to 12 hours later; if you take it twice a day, take the dose you missed, and then take the next one 5 to 6 hours later; if you take 3 or more doses a day, take the one you missed, and then take the next one 2 to 4 hours later. Then go back to your regular schedule. Store Sumycin capsules at room temperature. Keep the liquid form of tetracycline in the refrigerator, but do not allow it to freeze. Are there any Sumycin side effects? Sumycin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Sumycin side effects may include anemia, blood disorders, blurred vision and headache (in adults), bulging soft spot on the head (in infants), diarrhea, difficult or painful swallowing, dizziness, extreme allergic reactions, genital or anal sores or rash, hives, inflammation of large bowel, inflammation of the tongue, inflammation of the upper digestive tract, increased sensitivity to light, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, ringing in the ears, swelling due to fluid accumulation, vision disturbance, and vomiting. Less common or rare Sumycin side effects may include inflamed skin, inflammation of the penis, liver poisoning, muscle weakness, peeling, skin eruptions, and throat sores and inflammation. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Sumycin? If Sumycin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Sumycin with Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (such as Mylanta and Maalox), Blood thinners (such as Coumadin), Oral contraceptives, or Penicillin (Amoxil, Pen-Vee K, others). Are there any special warnings about Sumycin? If you have kidney disease, make sure the doctor knows about it. A lower than usual dose of Sumycin may be needed. Sumycin drugs can make you more prone to sunburn when you are in sunlight or ultraviolet light. Take appropriate precautions. Some adults may develop a headache and blurred vision while taking Sumycin, and infants may develop a bulging soft spot on the head. Contact your doctor if you experience or notice these symptoms. They usually disappear soon after the medication is stopped. As with other antibiotics, use of this medication may cause other infections to develop. Contact your doctor if this occurs. If you are taking Sumycin over an extended period of time, your doctor will perform blood, kidney, and liver tests periodically. |
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