Tetracyclines

Tetracyclines are a commonly used class of antibiotics that treat a number of infections including Lyme disease, cholera, rocky mountain spotted fever, and chlamydia. Tetracyclines work by binding to the 30s subunit of the bacterial ribosome, which prevents protein synthesis. Tetracyclines are bacteriostatic.  Efflux pumps and enzymatic inactivation are known bacterial resistance mechanisms. Some notable adverse effects include hypersensitivity, photosensitivity, and staining of developing teeth. 

Class Drugs

• Demeclocycline

• Doxycycline

• Minocycline

• Tetracycline

Class Mechanism of Action

Binds to 30s subunit of bacterial ribosome, which prevents protein synthesis

Bacteriostatic

Class Applications

Broad spectrum antibiotics with a number of therapeutic uses

• Acne

• Cholera

• Atypical pneumonia

• Lyme disease

• RMSF (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever)

• Chlamydia (STI and pneumonia)

Organisms treated:

• Gram (+) cocci

S. aureus

• S. pneumoniae

• Gram (+) bacilli

Bacillus anthracis

• Gram (-) rods

Vibrio cholerae

• Yersinia pestis

• Anaerobes

C. perfringens

• C tetani

• Spirochetes

Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme)

• Leptospira interrogans

• Treponema pallidum

• Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

• Gram (-) coccobacillus

Rickettsia rickettsii (RMSF)

Class Adverse Effects

Resistance

• Efflux pumps

Pumps decrease intracellular concentration of drug

• Enzymatic inactivation

Hypersensitivity

• Rashes, angioedema, anaphylaxis

Phototoxicity

• Severe sunburns when exposed to sun

Vertigo

Tinnitus

Fetal harm

Tooth discoloration in children less than 8

Hepatotoxicity

Pancreatitis

Pseudotumor cerebri

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
Demeclocycline			"Demon" "Clown" "Cycling"
Doxycycline			"Doxen" "Cycling"
Minocycline			"Minnow" "Cycling"
Tetracycline			"Tetris" "Cycling"