Antibacterials (ABX) Practice Exam

Tetracyclines commonly cause teeth discoloration. They chelate calcium and incorporate into developing teeth and bones, leading to permanent yellow-gray to brown staining (and sometimes enamel hypoplasia) in children whose teeth are still forming. Because of this, these antibiotics are avoided in kids under about eight years old and during pregnancy. Nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity aren’t typical concerns with tetracyclines, and hepatotoxicity is rare, so the standout additional adverse effect beside photosensitivity is the lasting tooth discoloration.