Tetracycline Ointment: How to Use

Tetracycline ointment refers to antimicrobial agents intended for external use. The drug is used to treat children from the age of eleven, adult patients and animals. Produced 2 forms of Tetracycline ointment-1% and 3%, containing respectively 1 and 3 percent of the active substance – tetracycline, which affects the synthesis of proteins of pathogenic agents.

Inhibiting the vital activity of gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, Mycoplasma, gonococci, pneumococci, chlamydia, E. coli, Klebsiella, Salmonella, etc.), tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic and exhibits bacteriostatic properties.

To the effects of the antibiotic substance of the tetracycline are resistant viruses, yeast fungi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus.

Tetracycline Eye Ointment

One-percent Tetracycline eye ointment (the content of the active substance is 10,000 µg per 1 g of the drug) is actively used in ophthalmic practice for the treatment of the following pathologies caused by antibiotic-sensitive microorganisms: conjunctivitis, blepharitis, keratitis, trachoma, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyeball. Also, the drug is intended to prevent the development of infection after injuries to the organs of vision.

Tetracycline Ointment for Skin Diseases

Three percent Tetracycline ointment for topical use (the content of the active substance is 30,000 µg per 1 g of the drug) is used in dermatological practice in the treatment of the following skin diseases: acne, acne vulgaris, eczema infected, ulcers, streptostaphyloderma, infected wound surfaces, purulent soft tissue infections, folliculitis, furunculosis, carbunclesis, trophic ulcers, shallow infected burns.

How to Apply

1. Tetracycline ointment (1%) is used for instillation in the conjunctival SAC of one or both affected eyes. Multiplicity of procedures, according to the official instructions – from 2 to 5 times a day.

Hands before applying the product hands should be thoroughly washed with soap. Tab for the lower eyelid is carried out with a strip of ointment about 5 mm, trying not to touch the tip of the tube of the mucous membrane of the eyeball and eyelashes.

Next, the upper eyelid is covered and lightly massaged with a finger pad for 3-4 seconds to evenly distribute the medication over the entire surface of the eye. Excess ointment is removed with a sterile cloth.

After the procedure, the patient is placed on the bed with his eyes closed for a quarter of an hour. The course of treatment and the frequency of application is determined by the ophthalmologist. On average, ointment therapy is carried out for 3 weeks.

2. Tetracycline ointment topical (3%) is applied to the problem areas of clean dry skin with a thin layer, capturing not only the lesion, but also a few millimeters of healthy tissue. Applications are carried out 1-2 times a day. It is possible to use an occlusive dressing.

Depending on the severity of the pathological process and the type of microorganism that provoked the development of inflammatory reactions, as well as the response of the skin to the therapy, the course of treatment can last from several days to 3 weeks. The expediency of stopping the use of ointment or continuing therapy can only be determined by a dermatologist, therapist or pediatrician.

Contraindications

Both forms of ointment are prohibited for use during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in children under 11 years.
In case of individual intolerance to antibiotics of tetracycline series and any of the auxiliary components of the ointment, the agent is not prescribed.
If the patient has a complex pathology of the liver, blood and kidneys, the use of all antibiotics, including tetracycline, should be carried out only under the supervision of a specialist.
Since fungi are insensitive to the active compound of the ointment, it is not used for the treatment of mycoses and onychomycosis. Moreover, long-term therapy with Tetracycline ointment can provoke the development of candidiasis.

Special Recommendation

Experts do not advise the use of ointment for deep wound surfaces, such as stab wounds and severe burns.
In ophthalmology Do not use tetracycline ointment 3 %.
If during 2 weeks of application of ointment 3% the patient does not heal, and do not go painful manifestations, you should re-consult with the doctor.
If instillation of eye ointment does not bring relief after 5 days of use, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist for adequate therapy.
After instillation of eye ointment in the patient temporarily impaired clarity of vision. To control vehicles and work with potentially dangerous mechanisms should wait about half an hour to evenly distribute the drug on the mucosa and restore visual reactions.
Before using tetracycline ointment for the treatment of eye diseases and skin lesions in animals, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.

Side Effects

Usually means with tetracycline well tolerated by patients, but in some cases may develop allergic symptoms: rash, hyperemia, hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation (photosensitization), itching, slight burning, angioedema, darkening of the tooth enamel.

Long-term use of the ointment on large areas of the skin can provoke the accumulation of tetracycline in the body and poisoning, which is expressed in loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, digestive disorders, changes in the mucous membranes of the eyes and gastrointestinal tract.

In the event of any adverse reactions of the body should undergo additional examination for the identification of pathogens and the appointment of another antibiotic, not related to tetracyclines.

Whether to have tetracycline ointment In your home medicine Cabinet is up to you. However, the independent appointment of this tool, as well as any antibiotics, is undesirable. In order not to harm your body, apply the ointment is only on medical prescription.