Sumycin: Broad-Spectrum Tetracycline Antibiotic for Bacterial Infections
| Product dosage: 250mg | |||
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Sumycin (tetracycline hydrochloride) is a time-tested, broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline class. It is indicated for the treatment of a wide array of bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms. This oral medication works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively stopping the growth and proliferation of bacteria. It is a critical tool in the medical arsenal for managing conditions ranging from respiratory tract infections to certain sexually transmitted diseases and acne vulgaris. Proper usage under medical supervision ensures its efficacy and helps mitigate the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Features
- Active Ingredient: Tetracycline hydrochloride
- Drug Class: Tetracycline antibiotic
- Administration: Oral capsule
- Available Strengths: 250 mg and 500 mg capsules
- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit
- Spectrum: Broad-spectrum activity against many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as other microorganisms like Rickettsiae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Benefits
- Effectively treats a diverse range of bacterial infections, reducing symptom duration and severity.
- Provides a reliable treatment option for common and less common bacterial pathogens.
- Can be used for the long-term management of inflammatory acne when other treatments are unsuitable.
- Helps prevent complications from infections by eradicating the causative bacteria.
- Well-established safety and efficacy profile with decades of clinical use.
Common use
Sumycin is prescribed for infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms. Common indications include, but are not limited to:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever, and Q fever (Rickettsial infections)
- Psittacosis (Ornithosis)
- Infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Lymphogranuloma venereum
- Granuloma inguinale
- Certain sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia
- Respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Acne vulgaris (as a second-line therapy for inflammatory acne)
- As an adjunct therapy in the management of acute intestinal amebiasis
- Treatment and prophylaxis of cholera
The specific use is always determined by a healthcare professional based on identified or suspected pathogens and local resistance patterns.
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on the type and severity of the infection and the patient’s renal function.
- Adults: The usual adult dose is 1 to 2 grams per day, divided into two or four equal doses (e.g., 500 mg twice daily or 250 mg four times daily). For more severe infections, an initial dose of 2 grams followed by 500 mg every 6 hours may be required.
- Children (above 8 years): 25 to 50 mg/kg/day divided into four doses.
- Administration: Sumycin capsules must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water (approx. 8 ounces) to minimize the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration and to ensure optimal absorption.
- Duration: Therapy should be continued for at least 24-48 hours after symptoms and fever have subsided. For streptococcal infections, therapy should continue for at least 10 days to prevent the development of rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis.
- Acne Therapy: For the treatment of acne, a lower dosage is often used (e.g., 500 mg to 1 gram per day in divided doses), which may be continued for extended periods.
Precautions
- Tooth Development: Tetracycline drugs, including Sumycin, should not be used during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to the age of 8 years) as it can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown).
- Photosensitivity: This drug can cause photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight). Patients should be advised to avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with significant renal impairment, as it may lead to accumulation of the drug and increased toxicity. Dosage adjustment is recommended.
- Superinfection: Use of antibiotics can result in overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, the antibiotic should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.
- Esophageal Irritation: Administer with adequate fluid to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration. Patients should not take the medication immediately before lying down.
Contraindications
Sumycin is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to tetracycline or any other component of the formulation. Its use is also contraindicated in individuals for whom it poses a significant risk due to:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Children under 8 years of age
Possible side effect
Like all medicines, Sumycin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects may include:
- Gastrointestinal disturbances: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric distress, anorexia
- Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth), black hairy tongue
- Photosensitivity (as noted under Precautions)
- Skin rashes Less common but more serious side effects require immediate medical attention:
- Severe headache, dizziness, or blurred vision (signs of intracranial hypertension)
- Severe skin reactions
- Signs of liver problems (e.g., yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine)
- Signs of kidney problems (e.g., change in the amount of urine)
Drug interaction
Sumycin can interact with several other medications, which may affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects.
- Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; iron preparations; bismuth subsalicylate: Can significantly impair the absorption of tetracycline. Doses should be spaced at least 2-3 hours apart.
- Oral Contraceptives: Tetracyclines may render oral contraceptives less effective. Patients should use an alternative or additional non-hormonal method of birth control.
- Warfarin: Tetracyclines may potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, requiring more frequent monitoring of prothrombin time.
- Penicillins: Tetracycline may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin; avoid concomitant use.
- Methoxyflurane: Concomitant use with tetracycline has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity.
- Retinoids: Concurrent use may increase the risk of intracranial hypertension.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
Overdose can lead to severe, dose-related toxicity. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Large overdoses can cause liver damage. There is no specific antidote. Management involves discontinuation of the drug, supportive therapy, and gastric lavage if ingestion was recent.
Storage
Store Sumycin capsules at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.
Reviews
- “As a dermatologist with over 20 years of experience, Sumycin remains a valuable, cost-effective option for managing moderate to severe inflammatory acne in appropriate adolescent and adult patients who are not candidates for first-line therapies. Its efficacy is well-documented when used correctly.” – Dr. Eleanor Vance, MD, Dermatology
- “In my infectious disease practice, I reserve tetracyclines like Sumycin for specific indications where they are the drug of choice, such as rickettsial diseases and community-acquired pneumonia caused by atypical pathogens. Its broad spectrum is a double-edged sword, so prudent use is paramount to combat resistance.” – Dr. Ben Carter, MD, Infectious Disease
- “Patient compliance can be challenging due to the required dosing schedule and dietary restrictions, but for those who adhere, the results for conditions like chlamydia and bronchitis are typically excellent and rapid.” – Patricia Lowell, RN