Why should tetracyclines be avoided in pregnancy and in children under 8, and what administration tip helps absorption?

Why should tetracyclines be avoided in pregnancy and in children under 8, and what administration tip helps absorption?

• A. They can cause hyperkalemia; take with milk to improve absorption.
• B. They can affect bone and teeth development; chelate calcium; avoid dairy, antacids, and iron near dosing; take on an empty stomach when possible.
• C. They cause cyanosis; take with vitamin C.
• D. They cause photosensitivity; take with sunscreen.

Answer: (B)

Tetracyclines can bind to developing teeth and bones and can accumulate in these calcifying tissues. In pregnancy and in children under 8, this can lead to permanent tooth discoloration and impaired bone growth, so they’re avoided in those groups. The absorption issue comes from the drug’s tendency to chelate calcium and other minerals; taking it with dairy products, antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, or iron near dosing drastically reduces how much is absorbed. To get the best absorption when a tetracycline is used, take it on an empty stomach whenever possible with a full glass of water, and avoid calcium-rich foods or supplements around the dosing time.

Tetracyclines can bind to developing teeth and bones and can accumulate in these calcifying tissues. In pregnancy and in children under 8, this can lead to permanent tooth discoloration and impaired bone growth, so they’re avoided in those groups. The absorption issue comes from the drug’s tendency to chelate calcium and other minerals; taking it with dairy products, antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, or iron near dosing drastically reduces how much is absorbed. To get the best absorption when a tetracycline is used, take it on an empty stomach whenever possible with a full glass of water, and avoid calcium-rich foods or supplements around the dosing time.