Resteclin (tetracycline) is a tetracycline antibiotic used in a wide range of infections. The medication works by interfering with the bacteria's ability to make proteins, inhibiting its ability to grow and spread. The immune system can then destroy the remaining bacteria.

This product is commonly used to combat:

• Lyme disease
• Q fever
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Chlamydia
• Parrot fever
• Plague
• Syphilis
• Gonorrhea
• Cholera
• Malaria
• Anthrax
• Brucellosis
• Acne
• Urinary tract infections
• Respiratory tract infections

Resteclin may be used to fight other infections not listed above.

Note that this product should not be administered to children under age 8; it can cause permanent tooth color changes. Likewise, if used while pregnant, it can cause bone deformities in babies. Little of the medication passes through breast milk, so short-term use is probably okay if breastfeeding; however, consulting a doctor is always a good idea.

Taking Resteclin

Resteclin comes in tablets, typically 250 mg or 500 mg, taken two to four times per day. Taking them does require a little attention to detail:

• Tablets are best taken on an empty stomach; one hour before or two hours after a meal.
• If severe stomach upset occurs, tablets may be taken with food. However, avoid dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and so forth.
• Avoid taking antacids one hour before or two hours after Resteclin.
• Avoid taking the medication methotrexate while taking Resteclin.
• Be cautious of sun exposure during treatment; some individuals experience greater photosensitivity.
• Do not take expired Resteclin. Doing so can cause damage to kidney tubes.

Treatment will ideally start off with the offending bacteria being identified, as Resteclin is not effective against all types of bacteria. Dosage will also depend on other personal variables, such as weight, age, renal function, and so forth.

In otherwise healthy patients age 16 and up, treatment is typically:

• For mild to moderate infections, take 500 mg twice per day or 250 mg four times per day.
• For severe infections, take 500 mg four times per day.
• Treatment ranges from 7 to 21 days in most cases, depending on the infection and its severity.
• When in doubt, continue treatment for 48 hours after all symptoms of infection have gone.

In children age 8 to 15:

• Administer 10 to 20 mg per pound of body weight (25 to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight) per day, divided into four daily doses.
• Continue treatment according to doctor instructions or for 48 hours after all symptoms of infection are gone.

The above guidelines are rough at best. A doctor can give a much more detailed dosage and administration schedule.

Precautions & Side Effects

Side effects from Resteclin are relatively common, but most are mild and not cause for concern. Most commonly reported are:

• Appetite loss
• Mild rash
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Check with a doctor if the above become severe. Eating may ease stomach upset, but again, this should be done only if side effects are severe; the medication works best on an empty stomach. Avoid dairy products if food is taken with tablets.

Rarely patients develop more severe side effects. Seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Severe or persistant headache
• Vision changes
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Pain in the upper abdomen, especially if radiating to the back

Resteclin can cause hormonal birth control pills to be less effective. Patients should use alternate forms of birth control while taking this product.

Numerous other medications can interact with Resteclin, including over-the-counter supplements and vitamins. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments.

Patients allergic to antibiotics in the tetracycline class---that is, any antibiotic ending in -cycline---are likely to be allergic to Resteclin.