Sumycin

Sumycin is the brand name for a medication called Tetracycline. It is an antibiotic that belongs to the class of drugs known as tetracyclines. Tetracycline is primarily used to treat various bacterial infections.

Antibiotic is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. It is also used in the treatment of acne and certain types of gastrointestinal infections.

This medication is available in the form of capsules or tablets and is typically taken orally.

Tetracycline works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and interfering with their ability to produce essential proteins. This disrupts the bacteria's ability to multiply and survive, thereby helping to clear the infection.

Tetracycline should not be taken with dairy products, antacids, or certain other medications, as they can reduce its effectiveness. It is also important to avoid taking Tetracycline during pregnancy or in children under the age of eight, as it can affect tooth development and lead to permanent tooth discoloration.

Composition of Sumycin

The oral tablets contain the inactive ingredients:

• Colorants (Titanium Dioxide, D&C Red no. 30)
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Anhydrous lactose
• Pregelatinized starch
• Hypromellose
• Magnesium stearate
• Povidone
• Stearic acid

The 250 mg tablets contain triacetin, methylene chloride and hydroxypropyl cellulose in addition. The 500 mg tablets contain xanthan gum, polyethylene glycol, propylparaben, potassium sorbate, polyparaben, sodium citrate, and methylparaben.

Uses of Sumycin

The medicine is used for the treatment of many infections, which includes even the acne. This antibiotic works by preventing the growth of bacteria. Therefore, they are helpful in cases of bacterial infections. They are not used for treating viral infections (like flu and common cold). There can be decreased effectiveness resulting from overuse or unnecessary usage.

Sumycin or tetracycline can even be used along with anti-ulcer medications for treating certain stomach ulcers.

Dosage

The dosage of Sumycin can vary depending on the specific condition being treated, the severity of the infection, and other factors. Typically, the recommended dosage for adults is:

• For bacterial infections: The usual starting dose is 500 mg to 1 gram (2 to 4 capsules) taken four times a day, depending on the severity of the infection.
• For acne: The initial dose is usually 500 mg taken twice a day, followed by a maintenance dose of 250 mg taken twice a day.

For children, the dosage is determined based on their weight and the severity of the infection.

Remember to take Sumycin with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Avoid taking dairy products, antacids, or supplements containing calcium, magnesium, or iron within two hours of taking Sumycin, as they can interfere with its absorption.

How to Take

To take Sumycin, an antibiotic medication containing tetracycline, follow these general guidelines:

1. Read the instructions: Carefully read the information provided on the prescription label. Familiarize yourself with the recommended dosage and any specific instructions related to your condition.
2. Timing: Take Sumycin on an empty stomach, either one hour before or two hours after a meal. This helps to ensure optimal absorption of the medication. Taking it with food or shortly after a meal may reduce its effectiveness.
3. Full glass of water: Swallow the Sumycin capsules or tablets whole with a full glass of water. This helps the medication to pass smoothly through the esophagus and into the stomach. Avoid crushing or chewing the capsules or tablets.
4. Avoid certain substances: Refrain from consuming dairy products, antacids, or supplements that contain calcium, magnesium, or iron within two hours of taking Sumycin. These substances can interfere with the absorption of the medication.
5. Regular dosing: Follow the prescribed dosage schedule consistently. It is important to take Sumycin at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to maintain a steady level of the medication in your body. Do not skip doses or double up on doses.
6. Complete the full course: Finish the entire prescribed course of Sumycin, even if you start feeling better before completing it. Stopping the medication prematurely may allow the infection to return or worsen.
7. Storage: Store Sumycin at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Follow any specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Side effects of Sumycin

There are many side effects caused by sumycin which may require medical attention. They include:

• Visual changes
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting and nausea
• Yellowing skin
• Loss of appetite
• Bulging fontanel among infants
• Sore mouth and tongue
• Diarrhoea
• Burning or cramps in the stomach region
• Itching in the genital or rectal areas
• Hairy black tongue

Rarely, the pressure inside the skull (intracranial hypertension-IH) has been seen to increase as a side-effect. Prolonged use of this medication may result in a new yeast infection. And many people might not experience any serious side-effects.

Contraindications of Sumycin

People who are hyper-sensitive to any of the tetracyclines should not be allowed to use this medicine. Any of the following conditions are harmful:

• Kidney disease
• Liver problems
• Pseudotumor Cerebri
• Clostridium difficile bacteria related colitis
• Pregnancy

Interactions

Sumycin, which contains the active ingredient tetracycline, can interact with various medications, supplements, and substances. Here are some common interactions to be aware of:

1. Calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron supplements, and antacids: These substances can reduce the absorption of tetracycline when taken within two hours of Sumycin. It is advisable to separate their administration by at least two hours.
2. Dairy products: Calcium-rich foods, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, can also interfere with the absorption of tetracycline. It is recommended to avoid consuming dairy products within two hours of taking this drug.
3. Oral contraceptives: Tetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills. It is advisable to use alternative or additional contraceptive methods while taking Sumycin and for a short period after completing the treatment.
4. Blood-thinning medications: Tetracycline may enhance the effects of certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin. Close monitoring of blood clotting parameters may be necessary if you are taking both medications concurrently.
5. Retinoids: Concurrent use of tetracycline and retinoids, such as isotretinoin or acitretin, may increase the risk of a condition called intracranial hypertension. This can manifest as severe headaches, blurred vision, and dizziness.
6. Other antibiotics: Some antibiotics, such as penicillin and cephalosporins, may interfere with the effectiveness of tetracycline.

Warnings

Here are some important warnings associated with the use of Sumycin:

1. Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to tetracycline antibiotics, including Sumycin. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
2. Photosensitivity: Tetracycline antibiotics can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, tanning beds, and UV lamps during treatment with Sumycin. Use protective clothing and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) when outdoors.
3. Children: Tetracycline antibiotics can cause permanent discoloration of teeth in children younger than 8 years old. It may also affect bone growth.
4. Liver and kidney function: If you have impaired liver or kidney function, you may need to adjust the dosage of Sumycin or monitor you closely while you are taking the medication.
5. Drug resistance: Overuse or inappropriate use of antibiotics, including tetracyclines, can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

Sumycin and Alcohol

It is generally advisable to avoid consuming alcohol while taking Sumycin. There are a few reasons for this recommendation:

1. Decreased effectiveness: Alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics, including tetracyclines. It can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of the medication, potentially compromising its ability to treat the infection.
2. Increased side effects: Both Sumycin and alcohol can individually cause certain side effects. Consuming alcohol while taking Sumycin may increase the risk and severity of these side effects. For example, both substances can cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, and headache. Combining them may intensify these symptoms and lead to increased discomfort.
3. Liver metabolism: Both alcohol and tetracycline are metabolized by the liver. Concurrent use may put additional stress on the liver and potentially affect its ability to metabolize the substances effectively.
4. Dehydration: Alcohol is known to cause dehydration, and tetracycline can also contribute to dehydration as a potential side effect. Combining alcohol and Sumycin may exacerbate this effect and increase the risk of dehydration.

Pregnancy and Sumycin

Sumycin should not be recommended during the time of pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. The doctor should be consulted whenever you plan on becoming pregnant. During breastfeeding, sumycin may appear in the milk. Therefore, the drug should not be taken when the mother is breastfeeding.

Tetracycline antibiotics are seen to cause harm to the foetus. Using the drugs belonging to the tetracycline class at the time of tooth development may result in permanent discolouration of the teeth (yellowish brown). This time period is generally applicable during the last half of the pregnancy.

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