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Tetrex: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Tetrex - General Information

A naphthacene antibiotic that inhibits amino acyl TRNA binding during protein synthesis. [PubChem]

 

Pharmacology of Tetrex

Tetrex is a short-acting antibiotic semisynthetically produced from chlortetracycline, which is derived from Streptomyces aureofaciens. Tetrex inhibits cell growth by inhibiting translation. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit and prevents the amino-acyl tRNA from binding to the A site of the ribosome. This binding is reversible in nature.

 

Tetrex for patients

When Actisite® fiber is in place, patients should avoid actions that may dislodge the fiber. Patients should receive the following instructions:

  1. Do not chew hard, crusty, or sticky foods.
  2. Do not brush or floss near any treated areas. (Continue to clean other teeth.)
  3. Do not engage in any other hygienic practices that could potentially dislodge the fibers.
  4. Do not probe at the treated area with tongue or fingers.
  5. Notify the dentist promptly if the fiber is dislodged or falls out before the scheduled recall visit, or if pain or swelling or other problems occur.

 

Tetrex Interactions

Interactions

Interaction may occur with Antacids, Calcium supplements, Cholestyramine, Choline and
magnesium salicylates, Colestipol, Iron-containing drugs, Laxatives, Magnesium
salicylate: these drugs may decrease the potency of tetracyclines. Oral contraceptives
containing estrogen: tetracyclines may decrease the contraceptive effect and increase the
chance of unwanted pregnancy.

 

Tetrex Contraindications

Actisite fiber should not be used in patients who are hypersensitive to any tetracycline.

 

Additional information about Tetrex

Tetrex Indication

Used to treat bacterial infections such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever, and tick fevers; upper respiratory infections; pneumonia; gonorrhea; amoebic infections; and urinary tract infections. It is also used to help treat severe acne and to treat trachoma (a chronic eye infection) and conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Tetrex is often an alternative drug for people who are allergic to penicillin.

Mechanism Of Action
Tetrex passively diffuses through porin channels in the bacterial membrane and reversibly binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing binding of tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex, and thus interfering with protein synthesis.
Food Interactions
Avoid milk, calcium containing dairy products, iron, antacids, or aluminium salts 2 hours before or 6 hours after using antacids while on this medication.
Generic Name
Tetracycline
Synonyms
Tetracycline HCl; TC; Anhydrotetracycline
Drug Category
Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antiprotozoals; Tetracyclines
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Tetracycline
Abramycin; Abricycline; Achromycin; Achromycin V; Actisite; Agromicina; Ambramicina; Ambramycin; Amycin; Bio-Tetra; Biocycline; Bristaciclin; Bristaciclina; Bristacycline; Cefracycline; Ciclibion; Copharlan; Criseociclina; Cyclopar; Cytome; Democracin; Deschlorobiomycin; Dumocyclin; Enterocycline; Hostacyclin; Lexacycline; Limecycline; Liquamycin; Medocycline; Mericycline; Micycline; Neocycline; Oletetrin; Omegamycin; Orlycycline; Panmycin; Polycycline; Polyotic; Purocyclina; Resteclin; Retet; Robitet; Roviciclina; SK-Tetracycline; Solvocin; Sumycin; TAC; Tetra-CO; Tetrabon; Tetrachel; Tetracycl; Tetracycline II; Tetracyn; Tetradecin; Tetrafil; Tetramed; Tetraverine; Tetrex; Topicycline; Tsiklomistsin; Tsiklomitsin; Veracin; Vetacyclinum;
Absorption
Bioavailability is less than 40% when administered via intramuscular injection, 100% intravenously, and 60-80% orally (fasting adults). Food and/or milk reduce GI absorption of oral preparations of tetracycline by 50% or more.
Toxicity (Overdose)
LD50=808mg/kg (orally in mice)
Protein Binding
Tetracyclines bind to plasma proteins to varying degrees
Biotransformation
Not metabolized
Half Life
6-11 hours
Dosage Forms of Tetrex
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
(2Z)-2-(amino-hydroxymethylidene)-4-dimethylamino-6,10,11,12a-tetrahydroxy-6-methyl-4,4a,5,5a-tetrahydrotetracene-1,3,12-trione
Chemical Formula
C22H24N2O8
Organisms Affected
Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria