What is a side effect of Tetracycline?

Punjab CHO - 2021

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: Punjab CHO - 2021

Explanation

Tetracyclines have a strong affinity for calcium and form stable complexes.
This tetracycline-calcium complex gets deposited in developing bones and teeth, causing permanent discoloration.
The discoloration is typically a yellow-gray-brown stain on the tooth enamel.
This effect is most pronounced in children under 8, pregnant women (affecting the fetus), and breastfeeding mothers, making the drug contraindicated in these groups.

Option A: Abdominal pain is a general gastrointestinal side effect of many antibiotics, including tetracyclines, but it is not the most specific or classic adverse reaction associated with this drug class.
Option C: Bone marrow depression, particularly aplastic anemia, is the most feared and classic adverse effect of the antibiotic Chloramphenicol, not Tetracycline.
Option D: Red man syndrome is a characteristic hypersensitivity reaction caused by the rapid intravenous infusion of the glycopeptide antibiotic Vancomycin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Adverse effects of Tetracycline antibiotics as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A key nursing responsibility is to verify patient allergies and contraindications before administering medications. For tetracyclines, this includes checking for pregnancy, breastfeeding status, and the patient's age.
Patient education is crucial. Nurses must advise patients taking tetracyclines to avoid dairy products, antacids, and iron supplements within 2 hours of taking the drug, as these can chelate the antibiotic and reduce its absorption.
Nurses should also educate patients about photosensitivity, advising them to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing to prevent severe sunburn.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it's asking for a specific side effect of the drug 'Tetracycline'. This is a factual recall question from pharmacology.
Read through all the options provided: Abdominal pain, Discoloration of teeth, Bone marrow depression, Red man syndrome.
Mentally review the classic, 'textbook' adverse effects for Tetracycline. The most unique and frequently tested side effect is its impact on teeth and bones.
Evaluate each option. 'Discoloration of teeth' directly matches this classic side effect.
Consider the other options (the distractors). 'Abdominal pain' is too general. 'Bone marrow depression' is famously linked to Chloramphenicol. 'Red man syndrome' is the hallmark of Vancomycin.
By confirming the correct association for Tetracycline and correctly identifying the drugs associated with the other side effects, you can confidently select 'Discoloration of teeth'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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