Acticlate: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Acticlate is a medicine used to treat many types of bacterial infections and is also used to prevent malaria by stopping the growth of bacteria. Acticlate antibiotics only treat bacterial infections and will not be effective against viral infections.

Acticlate is best taken on an empty stomach, usually 1 or 2 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Take the medicine with a full glass of water (about 240 ml) unless otherwise directed. If you have an upset stomach, you can take the medicine with food or milk, but this may make the medicine less effective. You should take Acticlate only before or 2 to 3 hours after taking any product that contains calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or bismuth subsalicylate. When used to prevent malaria, Acticlate is usually given once daily and continues to be taken daily for 4 weeks. If using the medicine in liquid form, shake the bottle well before each dose and carefully measure the dose with a special measuring device for an accurate dose. For pediatric treatment, the dosage is given based on the child's weight.
For best effect, take this antibiotic at spaced times. To help you remember, take your medicine at the same time each day and keep taking it until the prescribed amount is gone, even if you notice your symptoms have gone. Stopping the medication too soon can allow bacteria to continue to grow, leading to a return of the infection.

Some people may experience some side effects such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Tetracycline drugs such as doxycycline can rarely cause a severe increase in pressure inside the skull (IH). But the risk of this side effect is higher for women of childbearing age who are overweight or have had IH before. Although IH usually goes away after stopping tetracycline drugs such as doxycycline, there is still the potential for permanent vision loss or blindness. Contact medical help right away if you have a persistent headache, severe pain, vision changes, nausea, or persistent vomiting. Acticlate can affect sugar and this can happen during treatment or weeks to months after stopping treatment. Do not use antidiarrheal drugs or opiates if you have any of these symptoms as these products can make it worse. Long-term or repeated use of Acticlate may lead to oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections. Allergic reactions to the drug are very rare. However, you must watch out for signs of a serious allergic reaction, including fever that doesn't go away, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or to other tetracyclines such as minocycline. Before using Acticlate, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of dysphagia, problems with the esophagus. Acticlate may cause live bacterial vaccines to not work. Do not vaccinate or immunize while using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Tell your doctor if you are taking Acticlate before all surgeries. Acticlate may make you more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, you should limit your time in the sun. Children under 8 years of age may be more sensitive to the side effects of Acticlate, especially tooth discoloration. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using Acticlate as they can harm an unborn baby.

Drug interactions can increase the risk of side effects and be careful not to stop or change the dose of your medication on your own.
Some products that may interact with this drug include oral retinoids, barbiturates, blood thinners, digoxin, anticonvulsants, Strontium Chloride. This medicine may interfere with certain laboratory tests and may cause false test results.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking it at your usual time. Never take a double dose.

Reference source: webmd.com