Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

tetracycline (BQ10)

Tetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation.

Tetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing peptide bond formation. Used for Bacterial infections susceptible to tetracycline (e.g., respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections), Acne vulgaris, Rickettsial infections.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that binds reversibly to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, blocking the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the A site of the ribosome. This inhibits peptide chain elongation and prevents bacterial protein synthesis. It is bacteriostatic, meaning it stops bacterial growth rather than directly killing the organisms.

Approved indications

• Bacterial infections susceptible to tetracycline (e.g., respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections)
• Acne vulgaris
• Rickettsial infections
• Chlamydial infections

Common side effects

• Photosensitivity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Esophageal irritation
• Tooth discoloration (in children)
• Vaginal candidiasis

Key clinical trials

• Sequential Versus Quadruple Therapy in the Second-line Treatment (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• tetracycline (BQ10) CI brief — competitive landscape report
• tetracycline (BQ10) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• National Taiwan University Hospital portfolio CI