What Are the Risks of Tetracycline? An Important Alert from the Health Ministry

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a warning regarding the antibiotic Tetracycline, which is commonly used to treat diseases such as typhus, tick fever, respiratory infections, cholera, and malaria. The health ministry's alert highlights potential adverse reactions associated with this medication.

The IPC has urged healthcare professionals and patients to exercise caution when using Tetracycline. It can cause skin reactions that, if left untreated, may escalate to severe health risks. Tetracycline is a prescription medication, like many other antibiotics.

The IPC's drug alert, dated September 25, noted, “The analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) from the PvPI database revealed that Tetracycline used for the treatment of various conditions, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus, Q fever, rickettsial pox, and respiratory tract infections, has been associated with adverse drug reactions in the form of Fixed Drug Eruption (FDE).”

The commission advises doctors and patients to closely monitor for any adverse reactions related to Tetracycline and to report any incidents to the IPC.

India is the world's largest consumer of antibiotics. According to CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics, the market size for the anti-infective segment was approximately ₹25,130 crore for the fiscal year 2024.

The IPC is responsible for monitoring adverse drug reactions among the Indian population and assists the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in making regulatory decisions to ensure the safe use of medicines.

In May, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Rajeev Raghuvanshi, instructed state licensing authorities to monitor the availability of unapproved antibiotic combinations in the market due to the excessive and irrational use of antibiotics in India, which can lead to ineffective treatment for patients regularly exposed to these drugs. Additionally, the Centre is working on a proposal to regulate antibiotic usage under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940.

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