What precautions should be taken when giving tetracycline?

When administering tetracycline, avoiding its use in pregnant women and children under 8 years old is critical due to the effects this antibiotic can have on bone formation and teeth development. Tetracycline can bind to calcium and lead to discoloration of teeth or potentially interfere with proper growth and development. In pregnant women, it may also affect the developing fetus, leading to similar dental issues.

The other choices do not align with safe practices regarding tetracycline administration. For instance, giving tetracycline with dairy products can impair absorption due to the binding of tetracycline to calcium in dairy, reducing its effectiveness. Additionally, giving tetracycline with food is typically discouraged as it can also affect absorption. Providing it at bedtime may lead to non-compliance or an increased risk of esophageal irritation, especially if the patient does not drink enough water. Thus, the most significant precaution to remember is that tetracycline should not be given to pregnant women or children under 8.