Tetracycline Children Contraindication — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPharmacologyTetracycline Children ContraindicationMFDS Part 1

The UK Summary of Product Characteristics lists lymecycline as contraindicated in children aged under 8 years. What is the principal reason for this contraindication?

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Correct answer: A — Permanent dental staining with enamel hypoplasia

The correct answer is A. Tetracyclines can be incorporated into mineralising tissues during tooth development. Exposure in young children may therefore produce permanent intrinsic dental staining and enamel hypoplasia. The UK lymecycline SmPC specifically gives this as the reason for contraindication below 8 years. The staining is not merely reversible or extrinsic, so B is incorrect. Hepatotoxicity can occur with tetracyclines, particularly in overdose or susceptible patients, but predictable hepatic failure at therapeutic doses is not the age-specific contraindication. Tetracyclines do not cause ankylosis-related delayed eruption or premature eruption of the permanent dentition, excluding D and E.

Reference: Electronic Medicines Compendium, Tetralysal 300 mg Hard Capsules, Summary of Product Characteristics, sections 4.3 and 4.6, updated 12 August 2026. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/926/smpc