Adult

Tetracycline

General Information

Tetracycline

Formulary antimicrobial: Use in accordance with Trust guidelines

AWaRe antibiotic classification: 'Access'. Use as per guidelines.

For all information regarding interactions, contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding and additional information, see BNF and Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).

Dosing

  Oral dose
Susceptible infections 250mg-500mg QDS
Acne or rosacea 500mg BD

Renal and hepatic impairment

Renal impairment 

  • Avoid if possible in renal impairment due to its potential nephrotoxicity and increased risk of azotaemia, hyperphosphataemia and acidosis. Use only after consideration of risk v benefit.

eGFR (mL/min/1.73m2)

Oral dose

10 or more

Dose as in normal renal function

Less than 10

Maximum 250mg QDS

HDF/High Flux

Unknown dialysability

Dose as in eGFR less than 10mL/min/1.73m2

PD

Not dialysed

Dose as in eGFR less than 10mL/min/1.73m2

Note: Doses are based on Renal Drug Database

 

Hepatic impairment

  • Contra-indicated in chronic hepatic dysfunction.
  • Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment or those receiving potentially hepatotoxic drugs; avoid high doses in these patients.

References

  1. Crescent Pharma Limited. Tetracycline 250 mg Coated Tablets summary of product characteristics.  Last revision of the text 04/07/25. Accessed via https://products.mhra.gov.uk/ Accessed 5/4/26
  2. The Renal Drug Database. Tetracycline. Last updated 21/11/24. Accessed via https://renaldrugdatabase.com Accessed 5/4/26.
  3. British National Formulary. Tetracycline. BNF online accessed via www.medicinescomplete.com  Accessed 5/4/26.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 07 Apr 2026

Next review date: 06 Apr 2029

Author(s): AMST.