- Stock: Out Of Stock
- Brand: Acme Laboratories Limited
- Product ID: Tetracycline Hydrochloride
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A Tetra 1% 5 gm Ointment (Tetracycline Hydrochloride) — Product Overview
| Quick Reference | |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | A Tetra Ointment |
| Generic Name | Tetracycline Hydrochloride 1% w/w |
| Drug Class | Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic (Topical) |
| Manufacturer | ACI Limited, Bangladesh |
| Dosage Form | Topical Ointment |
| Pack Size | 5 gm tube |
| Spectrum | Broad-spectrum: Gram+, Gram−, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma |
| Storage | Below 25°C, protect from light and heat |
| Prescription Status | Available without prescription (OTC) |
What is A Tetra Ointment (Tetracycline)?
A Tetra Ointment contains Tetracycline Hydrochloride 1%, a broad-spectrum antibiotic ointment for topical skin and eye use. Tetracycline has been used for over 60 years and remains effective against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as atypical organisms such as Chlamydia and Mycoplasma. The ointment formulation provides prolonged contact time with infected tissue, delivering sustained antibiotic activity. A Tetra is one of the most versatile and affordable topical antibiotic preparations available in Bangladesh.
Mechanism of Action
Tetracycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosomal acceptor site. This prevents polypeptide chain elongation, halting bacterial growth and replication. Tetracycline has broad-spectrum activity due to its ability to enter both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cells via active transport mechanisms.
Indications — Skin Use
- Infected wounds and abrasions: Minor cuts, grazes, and lacerations with bacterial infection
- Impetigo: Superficial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus
- Infected eczema/dermatitis: Secondary bacterial infection complicating eczema
- Infected ulcers: Including diabetic foot ulcers with superficial bacterial colonisation
- Furunculosis / boils: Adjunct to systemic treatment
- Acne vulgaris: Topical tetracycline for inflammatory acne (effective against Cutibacterium acnes)
- Burns (minor): Prevention of secondary infection in minor thermal burns
Indications — Eye Use (Ophthalmic)
Tetracycline ointment is also used opthalmically for:
- Bacterial conjunctivitis: Applied to the lower conjunctival sac
- Trachoma (Chlamydia trachomatis): Tetracycline eye ointment is the WHO-recommended treatment for active trachoma
- Ophthalmia neonatorum prophylaxis: Prevention of neonatal eye infections
- Blepharitis: Eyelid margin infections
Importance for Diabetic Wound Care
Diabetic patients are at significantly increased risk of skin infections due to impaired immunity, neuropathy, and poor circulation. Minor wounds that would heal quickly in a non-diabetic person can become seriously infected in diabetics. Topical tetracycline ointment plays a role in the initial management of minor infected diabetic wounds — applying to a clean wound helps prevent and treat superficial bacterial infection. However, deeper diabetic foot ulcers or cellulitis require systemic antibiotics and specialist care.
How to Use A Tetra Ointment
Skin infections: Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the infected skin 2–3 times daily. A light dressing may be applied over the ointment if needed. Continue for 5–7 days or as directed.
Eye use: Wash hands. Pull down the lower eyelid and apply a small amount (~1 cm ribbon) of ointment into the lower conjunctival sac. Blink to distribute. Apply 3–4 times daily or as directed by an eye doctor.
Duration: 5–14 days for most skin infections. For trachoma: 6 weeks of twice-daily application per WHO protocol.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracycline or other tetracycline-class antibiotics
- Do not apply to large open wounds or burns without medical supervision
- Avoid on mucous membranes other than conjunctival use
Side Effects
Skin use: Mild stinging, burning, or skin irritation on application. Contact dermatitis (allergic) — rare. Photosensitisation with prolonged use on large areas.
Eye use: Transient blurred vision immediately after application. Mild stinging. Prolonged eye use may rarely cause conjunctival irritation.
Systemic absorption from topical ointment is minimal — systemic side effects (common with oral tetracycline) are not a concern with normal topical use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can A Tetra Ointment be used on diabetic foot wounds?
A: Topical tetracycline can be applied to minor superficial infected wounds in diabetic patients after proper wound cleaning. However, any diabetic foot wound should be assessed by a healthcare professional, as deeper infections require systemic antibiotics and specialist wound care.
Q: Can A Tetra Ointment be used as an eye ointment?
A: Yes. Tetracycline 1% ointment is used ophthalmically for bacterial conjunctivitis, trachoma, and blepharitis. Apply a small ribbon (~1 cm) into the lower conjunctival sac. It may cause temporary blurred vision — avoid driving immediately after application.
Q: Is A Tetra Ointment effective for acne?
A: Yes. Tetracycline is active against Cutibacterium acnes (the bacteria causing inflammatory acne). Topical tetracycline ointment can help reduce inflamed acne lesions. For moderate-severe acne, oral tetracycline combined with topical treatment is more effective.
Q: How long should I use A Tetra Ointment?
A: For most skin infections: 5–7 days, continuing 2 days after visible healing. For eye infections: 5–7 days. For trachoma: follow the WHO protocol (6 weeks twice daily). Do not use indefinitely without medical review.
Medical Disclaimer
For educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional for any wound that is deep, spreading, or associated with fever. Diabetic patients with foot wounds should always seek specialist medical care. For eye infections with pain, vision changes, or photophobia, seek urgent ophthalmological assessment.
