Tetracycline Topical Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 21, 2025.

Applies to tetracycline topical: topical application foam.

Precautions

For patients using either the cream form or the topical liquid form of this medicine for acne:

• Some people may notice improvement in their acne within 4 to 6 weeks. However, if there is no improvement in your acne after you have used this medicine for 6 to 8 weeks or if it becomes worse, check with your health care professional. The treatment of acne may take up to 8 to 12 weeks before full improvement is seen.
• If your doctor has ordered another medicine to be applied to the skin along with this medicine, it is best to wait at least 1 hour before you apply the second medicine. This may help keep your skin from becoming too irritated. Also, if the medicines are used too close together, they may not work properly.
• The liquid form of this medicine may also cause the skin to become unusually dry, even with normal use. If this occurs, check with your doctor.
• This medicine may cause faint yellowing of the skin, especially around hair roots. This may be more easily seen in people with light complexions. The color may be removed by washing. However, the medicine should be left on the skin as long as possible. Do not wash immediately after applying the medicine. To do so will keep the medicine from working properly. If the yellow color is bothersome during the daytime, the medicine may be applied after school or work and again at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
• Treated areas of the skin may glow bright yellow under "black" (ultraviolet or UV) light such as that used in some discos. To help reduce or avoid this, apply the medicine later in the evening or wash it off before exposure to "black" light.
• You may continue to use cosmetics (make-up) while you are using this medicine for acne. However, it is best to use only "water-base" cosmetics. Also, it is best not to use cosmetics too heavily or too often. They may make your acne worse. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

For patients using the topical ointment form of this medicine:

• If your skin infection does not improve within 2 weeks, or if it becomes worse, check with your health care professional.

Other side effects

Some side effects of tetracycline topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For cream and topical liquid forms only

• faint yellowing of the skin, especially around hair roots

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, tetracycline topical may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking tetracycline topical:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tetracycline topical: topical ointment, topical solution.

General adverse events

Tetracycline topical is generally well tolerated. Side effects reported with systemic administered tetracycline such as gastrointestinal complaints, vaginitis, hematologic abnormalities, dental, and skeletal disorders have not been reported and are unlikely to occur with topical administration.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dermatitis has been reported rarely with topical application of tetracycline. One-third of patients may experience a stinging and burning sensation lasting no more than a few minutes. A faint yellowing of the skin has been reported, especially around the hair roots.^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Tetracycline topical side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer