Tetracycline ointment. Instructions for use

Tetracycline ointment is a widely known antimicrobial agent for a long time, used to treat skin inflammation caused by pathogenic bacteria.

Active substance is tetracycline - a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Over the long years of its use in medicine, microorganisms have acquired resistance to the drug, so nowadays it is rarely prescribed. In addition, tetracycline has quite a few contraindications and is inferior to new more effective and safe antibiotics.

Two forms of tetracycline ointment are produced: 3% of external application and 1% of ocular. In addition to the active ingredient, the drug includes lanolin and medical petroleum jelly. In tubes of 10 and 15 grams sold three-percent ointment. By 3, 7 and 10 grams - a one-percent tetracycline ointment. The instruction for use is enclosed in a cardboard box.

This remedy is used for purulent processes of soft tissues, streptococcal and staphylococcal pustules, acne, furunculosis, trophic ulcers, stomatitis, gingivitis, eczema with microbial infections, inflammation of hair follicles, genitourinary infections, ENT infections and others.

The drug is indicated for conjunctivitis, blepharitis, kuratite, trachoma, lesion of the lacrimal sac, inflammation of the cornea.

How is tetracycline ointment used? Instructions for use describe that it is applied directly to the affected areas once or twice a day, or make bandages for a day. The course of treatment can last from several days to two to three weeks, depending on the tolerability of the ointment and the speed of recovery.

Tetracycline ointment for the eyes is laid with a special spatula behind the eyelid. During treatment, blurred vision may be observed. If the violation persists after the end of treatment, then it is necessary to go to the hospital.

There are quite a few cases in which tetracycline ointment is contraindicated (the instructions for use describe all cases). These are allergic reactions, individual intolerance, liver and kidney diseases, fungal lesions, decreased leukocyte count in blood (leukopenia), children's age (under 11 years).

Can tetracycline ointment for newborns be used?

Many pediatricians believe that in this case, it is better to abandon it, since too many contraindications have tetracycline ointment. Instructions for use indicate that treatment is possible if the child's age exceeds 11 years. But there is an opinion that babies can not be treated with 3% ointment, and 1% can be successfully used to treat children with care.

You can not use tetracycline ointment for pregnant women. The action of the active substance disrupts the mineralization of bones, which can lead to anomalies of bone tissues and teeth.

Tetracycline causes many adverse reactions: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysbiosis, loss of appetite, problems with stool, inflammation of the esophagus and tongue. The drug can lead to various allergic reactions: redness of the skin, hives, itching, burning, and sometimes - Quincke's edema.

Tetracycline ointment causes skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Long-term use of the ointment can cause candidiasis or thrush. Tetracycline changes blood composition, leading to increased bilirubin, increased erythrocyte decay, reduced platelets and neutrophils.

When using this tool, you must carefully monitor the reaction of the body. If any side effects are found, immediately discontinue the drug and consult a doctor for another antibiotic.

Tetracycline ointment is not forbidden to use when wearing contact lenses. Already an hour after its application, you can install the lens.

There is no data on the incompatibility of tetracycline ointment and alcohol.

Shelf life of the medicine: in undisclosed packaging - 2 years, in the open - about two months.

Tetracycline ointment (instructions for use indicate this) should be used only on the advice of a doctor.