Tetracycline hydrochloride

Description

Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that prevents bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis. It binds to a single site in the 30S ribosomal subunit which prevents attachment of aminoacyl tRNA to the ribosomal acceptor site. It is used in cell biology as a selective agent in cell culture systems. Tetracycline is toxic to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and selects for cells harboring the bacterial tetR gene, which are resistant to the antibiotic.

Chemical properties

Yellow crystalline powder

The Uses of Tetracycline hydrochloride

Tetracycline hydrochloride is a salt prepared from tetracycline taking advantage of the basic dimethylamino group which protonates and readily forms the salt in hydrochloric acid solutions. The hydrochloride is the preferred formulation for pharmaceutical applications. Tetracycline hydrochloride has broad spectrum antibacterial and antiprotozoan activity and acts by binding to the 30S and 50S ribosomal sub-unit,s blocking protein synthesis.

The Uses of Tetracycline hydrochloride

Antibiotic substance produced by Streptomyces spp. Antiamebic; antibacterial; antirickettsial.

The Uses of Tetracycline hydrochloride

Tetracycline hydrochloride is used to induce apoptosis in osteoclasts. It is used to treat acne and other skin infections, respiratory tract infections like pneumonia, genital, urinary infections, leptospirosis, helicobacter pylori, taxoplasmosis, mycoplasma, psittacosis for dog and cats. It also works more effectively in animals that have tick-borne infections. It is also useful in cell culture applications.

Mechanism of action

Tetracycline Hydrochloride is an antibiotic active against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The tetracyclines exert their antibiotic effect primarily by binding to the bacterial ribosome and halting protein synthesis. Upon binding the ribosome, the tetracyclines allosterically inhibit binding of the amino acyl-tRNA at the acceptor site, and protein synthesis ceases.

Dosage

The usual daily dose of Sumycin for adults is 500 mg twice/day or 250 mg four times/day for mild to moderate infections; higher doses may be required for severe infections. For children above eight years of age, usual daily dose of Sumycin is 10 to 20 mg/lb (25 to 50 mg/kg) body weight divided in four equal doses.

General Description

Crystals or fine bright yellow powder. pH of 2% aqueous solution: 2.1 - 2.3.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Tetracycline hydrochloride is acidic. Reacts with strong oxidizing agents .

Fire Hazard

Flash point data concerning Tetracycline hydrochloride are not available, however, Tetracycline hydrochloride is probably combustible.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Primary Targetbinding of aminoacyl tRNA to the A-site of ribosomes

Safety Profile

Poison by intraperitoneal and intravenous routes. Moderately toxic by ingestion and subcutaneous routes. Human systemic effects: change in taste function. An experimental teratogen. Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of HCl and NOx. See also TETRACYCLINE.

Veterinary Drugs and Treatments

While tetracycline still is used as an antimicrobial, most small animal clinicians prefer doxycycline and large animal clinicians prefer oxytetracycline when a tetracycline is indicated to treat susceptible infections. The most common use of tetracycline HCl today is in combination with niacinamide for the treatment of certain immune- mediated skin conditions in dogs, such as pemphigus.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Sumycin include:

nausea,

vomiting,

diarrhea,

stomach upset,

loss of appetite,

white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips,

swollen tongue,

black hairy tongue,

sore throat,

trouble swallowing,

dizziness,

headache,

sores or swelling in your rectal or genital area, or

vaginal itching or discharge.

Purification Methods

The hydrochloride is recrystallised from MeOH/n-BuOH or n-BuOH/HCl. It is insoluble in Et2O and pet ether. It has UV max at 270 and 366nm in MeOH. [Gottstein et al. J Am Chem Soc 81 1198 1959, Conover et al. J Am Chem Soc 84 3222 1962, Stephen et al. J Am Chem Soc 78 4155 1956, Beilstein 14 IV 2627.]