From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Gastrointestinal: anorexia, nausea, epigastric distress, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, black hairy tongue, dysphagia, enterocolitis, and inflammatory lesions (with Candida overgrowth) in the anogenital region. Skin: maculopapular and erythrematous rashes. Renal Toxicity: an increase in BUN has been reported and is dose related. Liver: hepatotoxicity and liver failure have been observed in patients receiving tetracycline and in tetracycline-treated patients with renal impairment Hypersensitivity Reactions: urticaria, angioneurotic edema, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, pericarditis, exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and serum sickness-like reactions, as fever, rash, and arthralgia. Blood: hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, neutropenia and eosinophilia have been reported
The most common side effects of tetracycline include:
- Gastrointestinal issues such as anorexia, nausea, epigastric distress, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Skin reactions like maculopapular and erythrematous rashes
- Renal toxicity with an increase in BUN
- Hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, angioneurotic edema, and anaphylaxis
- Blood disorders such as hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia 1
From the Research
Common Side Effects of Tetracycline
The most common side effects of tetracycline include:
- Gastrointestinal upset 2, 3
- Phototoxic dermatitis or photosensitivity reactions 4, 2, 3, 5
- Hepatitis, especially in pregnant women 2, 3
- Discoloration of teeth and bone dysplasia in the human fetus and children 2, 3
- Superinfections, especially oral and anogenital candidiasis 2, 3
- Gut dysbiosis 5
- Dizziness and vertigo 5
Special Considerations
Tetracyclines should be used with caution in patients with renal insufficiency 2, 3. Additionally, the use of tetracyclines may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a growing concern in the treatment of acne vulgaris 5.