Sumycin: Effective Tetracycline Antibiotic for Bacterial Infections

Sumycin

Sumycin

Price from 37.84 $

Sumycin is a prescription tetracycline-class antibiotic medication indicated for the treatment of a wide spectrum of bacterial infections. It contains the active ingredient tetracycline hydrochloride, which works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, effectively stopping the growth and proliferation of susceptible microorganisms. This medication is commonly prescribed by healthcare professionals for both common and serious bacterial conditions, offering a well-established therapeutic option with decades of clinical use and research supporting its efficacy and safety profile when used appropriately under medical supervision.

Features

  • Contains tetracycline hydrochloride as the active pharmaceutical ingredient
  • Available in 250 mg and 500 mg oral capsule formulations
  • Manufactured under strict quality control standards complying with FDA regulations
  • Bioequivalent to brand-name tetracycline preparations
  • Stable shelf life of 24 months when stored properly
  • Vegan-friendly capsule formulation (contains no animal-derived ingredients)

Benefits

  • Effectively treats numerous bacterial infections including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and skin infections
  • Provides broad-spectrum coverage against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
  • Well-established safety profile with extensive clinical documentation
  • Cost-effective alternative to newer antibiotic agents
  • Convenient twice-daily dosing regimen for most indications
  • Rapid onset of action with measurable serum concentrations within 2-3 hours of administration

Common use

Sumycin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections caused by susceptible microorganisms. These include upper and lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and pharyngitis; genitourinary infections including cystitis, urethritis, and prostatitis; skin and soft tissue infections such as acne vulgaris, cellulitis, and impetigo; and sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea (as part of combination therapy). It is also used in the management of rickettsial infections, brucellosis, cholera, plague, tularemia, and as prophylactic treatment for malaria in certain circumstances. The medication may be prescribed for off-label uses determined appropriate by healthcare providers based on individual patient circumstances and bacterial susceptibility testing.

Dosage and direction

The dosage of Sumycin must be individualized based on the type and severity of infection, patient’s renal function, and susceptibility of the causative microorganisms. For most infections in adults, the usual dosage is 500 mg twice daily or 250 mg four times daily. For more severe infections, an initial dose of 500 mg followed by 250 mg every six hours may be prescribed. For children above eight years of age, the dosage is typically 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into four equal doses. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water (approximately 240 mL) to ensure proper absorption and to minimize the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration. Patients should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking each dose. Treatment should continue for at least 24-48 hours after symptoms have subsided and fever has resolved, typically ranging from 7 to 14 days depending on the infection type. For acne vulgaris, treatment may extend for several weeks or months at lower maintenance doses as determined by the prescribing physician.

Precautions

Patients taking Sumycin should be aware of several important precautions. This medication may cause photosensitivity, making the skin more susceptible to sunburn; therefore, direct sunlight and ultraviolet light exposure should be minimized, and protective clothing and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) should be used during treatment. Tetracyclines may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, so patients should exercise caution when operating machinery or driving until they know how the medication affects them. The use of tetracyclines during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. Tetracycline drugs should not be used in this age group unless other drugs are not likely to be effective or are contraindicated. As with other antibiotics, Sumycin may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Contraindications

Sumycin is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tetracycline or any component of the formulation. It is contraindicated in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus due to potential exacerbation of the condition. The use of tetracyclines is contraindicated in pregnancy because of the risk of hepatotoxicity in the pregnant woman and the potential adverse effects on fetal development, including discoloration of teeth and inhibition of bone growth. Tetracyclines are contraindicated in infants and children up to 8 years of age due to the potential for permanent tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia. Concomitant administration with isotretinoin is contraindicated due to the potential for increased intracranial pressure. Additionally, Sumycin is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 50 mL/min) due to the potential for accumulation and increased toxicity.

Possible side effect

Sumycin may cause various side effects with differing frequencies. Common gastrointestinal side effects (occurring in more than 1% of patients) include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric distress, glossitis, stomatitis, black hairy tongue, and enterocolitis. Dermatological reactions may include photosensitivity, maculopapular and erythematous rashes, and exfoliative dermatitis (rare). Hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, angioneurotic edema, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, pericarditis, and exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus have been reported. Blood dyscrasias including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and eosinophilia have occurred rarely. Renal toxicity may manifest as rise in BUN, apparently dose-related. Bulging fontanels in infants and intracranial hypertension in adults have been reported with tetracycline use, usually following full therapeutic dosage. These conditions disappeared rapidly when the drug was discontinued. Prolonged administration of tetracyclines may produce brown-black microscopic discoloration of thyroid glands; no abnormalities of thyroid function studies are known to occur.

Drug interaction

Sumycin interacts with several medications that may require dosage adjustments or alternative therapy. Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; iron-containing preparations; sodium bicarbonate; and bismuth subsalicylate can significantly decrease tetracycline absorption and should be administered at least 2-3 hours apart. Oral contraceptives may have reduced effectiveness when taken concurrently with tetracyclines; additional non-hormonal contraception is recommended. Tetracyclines may potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other oral anticoagulants, requiring more frequent monitoring of prothrombin time. Concurrent use with methoxyflurane may result in fatal renal toxicity. Tetracyclines may decrease the efficacy of penicillin antibiotics by interfering with their bactericidal action. The concurrent use of tetracycline and retinoids may increase the risk of intracranial hypertension. Tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, and concurrent therapy is generally not recommended.

Missed dose

If a dose of Sumycin is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Patients should not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this may increase the risk of side effects. Maintaining consistent blood levels of the antibiotic is important for effectiveness, so patients should try to take doses at evenly spaced intervals. If multiple doses are missed or there is uncertainty about what to do, patients should contact their healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance. Setting reminders or using pill organizers can help prevent missed doses during the treatment course.

Overdose

In case of Sumycin overdose, symptomatic and supportive care should be provided. Tetracycline overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Specific complications may include pancreatitis, hepatitis, and renal dysfunction with azotemia. There is no specific antidote for tetracycline overdose. Management should include gastric lavage if ingestion was recent, along with administration of activated charcoal to reduce absorption. Adequate hydration and maintenance of electrolyte balance are important, particularly if vomiting and diarrhea are present. Hemodialysis is not effective for removing tetracycline from the bloodstream due to its high protein binding and extensive tissue distribution. Patients experiencing overdose should seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center for appropriate management guidance. Medical personnel should be informed about the time of ingestion, amount taken, and any symptoms being experienced.

Storage

Sumycin should be stored at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The medication should be kept in its original container with the lid tightly closed to protect from moisture and light. It should be stored away from excessive heat and humidity (not in bathrooms or near kitchen sinks). Sumycin should be kept out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Do not transfer capsules to other containers, as this may affect stability. Patients should properly discard any expired or unused medication according to specific disposal instructions provided by their pharmacist or local medication take-back programs. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless specifically instructed to do so.

Disclaimer

This information about Sumycin is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this product information. The content provided does not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have any questions about Sumycin, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings for a given drug or drug combination should not be construed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient.

Reviews

Clinical studies and patient experiences with Sumycin generally reflect its effectiveness as a broad-spectrum antibiotic when used appropriately for susceptible bacterial infections. Healthcare professionals often note its reliable efficacy for indicated conditions, particularly for respiratory infections, acne vulgaris, and certain sexually transmitted infections. Many reviews highlight the importance of proper administration (on an empty stomach with adequate water) to maximize absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Some patients report gastrointestinal discomfort as a common but manageable side effect that often diminishes as treatment continues. Dermatologists frequently prescribe Sumycin for inflammatory acne with positive outcomes, though they emphasize the need for sun protection due to photosensitivity. The medication’s cost-effectiveness compared to newer antibiotics is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage. Medical literature supports Sumycin’s continued relevance in antimicrobial therapy, particularly for specific indications where tetracyclines remain first-line treatment options. As with all antibiotics, appropriate use based on susceptibility testing and adherence to prescribed dosing regimens is consistently emphasized in professional reviews to maximize efficacy and minimize resistance development.