Indication
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Administration
First, wash hands. Then pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment into the pouch. A 1-cm (approximately 1/3-inch) strip of ointment is usually enough. Gently close the eyes and keep them closed for 1 or 2 minutes to allow the medicine to come into contact with the infection.
Adult Dose
Ophthalmic
Adults: Apply every two to four hours.
Child Dose
Ophthalmic
Children: Apply every two to four hours.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity; pregnancy, lactation, children; renal impairment.
Mode of Action
Tetracycline exhibits its bacteriostatic action by reversibly binding to the 30S subunits of the ribosome, thus preventing protein synthesis and arresting cell growth. It has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity including Chlamydiaceae, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., spirochaetes, many aerobic and anaerobic gm+ve and gm-ve pathogenic bacteria and some protozoa.
Precaution
Hepatic impairment. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Periodic evaluation of renal, hepatic and haematological system during prolonged therapy.
Side Effect
Burning, irritation, visual disturbances, superinfections, photosensitivity, hypersensitivity,
Interaction
Impaired absorption w/ antacids containing divalent and trivalent cations (e.g. Al, Ca, Mg), Fe, Zn and Na bicarbonate preparations, kaolin-pectin, bismuth subsalicylate, sucralfate, strontium ranelate, colestipol and colestyramine. May interfere w/ the bactericidal action of penicillin. May potentiate the effect of anticoagulants. May decrease efficacy of oral contraceptives. Nephrotoxic effects may be exacerbated by diuretics or other nephrotoxic drugs. May increase the hypoglycaemic effect of insulin and sulfonylureas in patients w/ DM. May increase toxic effects of ergot alkaloids and methotrexate.
Potentially Fatal: Concurrent methoxyflurane may result to fatal renal toxicity. Increased risk of benign intracranial HTN w/ vit A or retinoids (e.g. acitretin,isotretinoin, tretinoin).