When you see generic tetracycline is a broad‑spectrum antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline class. It works by stopping bacteria from making proteins, which halts their growth. The drug is used for skin infections, respiratory tract infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections. Because the original brand‑name versions are pricey, many pharmacies stock the chemically identical generic, which is usually 60‑80% cheaper.
NewZealand’s Medsafe is the national regulator that ensures medicines are safe and correctly labelled. Under the Medicines Act, any prescription‑only drug - tetracycline included - must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacy with a valid prescription from a qualified health professional.
If an online store claims to sell the drug without asking for a prescription, it’s likely operating illegally. Purchasing from an unlicensed source can lead to counterfeit pills, sub‑therapeutic dosing, and potential legal penalties.
Here are the red‑flag criteria you should check before you click “Buy”:
| Pharmacy | License Country | Price (NZD) | Shipping (NZD) | Total Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PharmaDirect NZ | NewZealand | 28.00 | Free | 28.00 | 3‑5days |
| HealthHub AU | Australia | 19.50 | 5.00 | 24.50 | 5‑7days |
| GlobalMeds Ltd. | UK (EU‑licensed) | 16.80 | 7.20 | 24.00 | 7‑10days |
Notice how the UK‑based supplier offers the lowest list price, but shipping pushes the total cost close to the Australian option. If you need the medication quickly, the NewZealand pharmacy, despite a higher list price, may be the better choice.
The standard adult dose for most infections is 250mg taken every 6hours. For children, the dose is weight‑based, usually 30mg/kg per day in divided doses. Always follow the exact schedule prescribed; missing doses can foster antibiotic resistance.
Side effects range from mild (nausea, diarrhoea) to more serious (liver toxicity, allergic reactions). Phototoxicity is a hallmark of tetracyclines - you may become extremely sun‑sensitive, so use sunscreen and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Common drug interactions include antacids, calcium‑rich dairy, and iron supplements, which can bind to the antibiotic and reduce absorption. Take tetracycline at least two hours before or after these products.
Following these steps can save you from costly mistakes and protect your health.
Even though the price point is attractive, antibiotics are powerful drugs that can cause real harm if misused. The cheap price should never override safety checks. Proper sourcing ensures you receive the correct strength, prevents resistance, and keeps you within the law.
Yes. Tetracycline is a prescription‑only medicine. Any pharmacy that asks for a valid prescription before dispensing is operating legally.
Visit Medsafe’s online register, enter the pharmacy’s licence number (usually shown in the website footer), and confirm the status and jurisdiction.
For 100×250mg tablets (a common 30‑day course), prices range from NZD24 to NZD28 when buying from licensed NZ or Australian sites. Overseas sellers may list lower list prices, but add shipping.
Dairy can reduce absorption. It’s best to take the antibiotic with a full glass of water and wait at least two hours before consuming milk, cheese, or yoghurt.
Stop the medication immediately, contact your prescriber or local health service, and seek medical attention if symptoms are rapid (e.g., difficulty breathing, severe rash).
Comments(1)