What is a side effect of the antimicrobial drug tetracycline?

Tetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, is known to have several side effects, one of which is photosensitivity. This condition can cause an exaggerated sunburn response in patients when they are exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light while taking the medication. The active components in tetracycline can interact with UV radiation, leading to skin reactions such as rashes, redness, or increased pigmentation upon sun exposure.

Understanding the significance of this side effect is essential for patient education, as those prescribed tetracycline should be advised to take precautions against sun exposure, such as wearing protective clothing or using sunscreen to mitigate the risk of adverse skin reactions. Recognizing photosensitivity as a plausible side effect underlines the importance of monitoring patients for signs of skin reactions during treatment with tetracycline, especially in areas where they might be exposed to sunlight.