| Tetracycline | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|250px]] Chemical structure of tetracycline | |
| Formula | C22H24N2O8 |
| Administration | Oral (capsules, tablets), intravenous, intramuscular, topical |
| Solubility | Very slightly soluble in water; freely soluble in dilute acids and alkali hydroxide solutions |
| Legal status | Prescription only |
| Brand names | Sumycin, Achromycin V, Tetracyn, Panmycin |
| Bioavailability | 60–80% (oral, fasting) |
| Recommended dose | 250–500 mg orally every 6 hours (mild to moderate infections); up to 500 mg every 6 hours (severe infections) |
| Upper limit | 2 g/day (maximum recommended; reduce in renal impairment) |
| LD50 | >5000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| Ray's verdict | |