Befadox Tablet is used to treat bacterial infections. Befadox Tablet treats urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, respiratory infections, eye infections, sexually transmitted infections (like gonorrhoea and syphilis), gum infections, diseases (like periodontitis), and others. Besides this, Befadox Tablet also treats acne-like lesions caused by rosacea. However, it does not treat facial redness caused by rosacea. 

Befadox Tablet being an antibiotic prevents the growth of bacterial cells (the bad ones!) by preventing the formation of the outer protein layer of bacteria (cell wall) responsible for bacteria's growth and multiplication. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, i.e. it acts against various bacteria. It is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, i.e. it stops bacteria growth but does not kill them.

Befadox Tablet should only be taken if advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food but should be consumed at a fixed time for the best results. You should complete the course of Befadox Tablet as your doctor prescribes for better results. Some common side effects of Befadox Tablet are nausea (feeling or being sick), vomiting, diarrhoea, etc. Please consult your doctor if these side effects become troublesome.

Befadox Tablet is pregnancy category D (high risk) medicines, so its use in pregnant and nursing mothers is not recommended. Use of Befadox Tablet during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood up to the age of 8 years) may cause teeth staining (yellow-grey-brown). Do not consume alcohol as it may cause excessive drowsiness when taken along with Befadox Tablet . Before using Befadox Tablet , tell your doctor if you ever had an allergy to Befadox Tablet , have kidney problems, liver problems, swollen food pipe (esophagitis) or muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). Please do not drink alcohol with Befadox Tablet as it may increase the unpleasant side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.

Befadox Tablet is a type of tetracycline class of antibiotic which is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, anaerobes, and some parasites. It is prescribed for treating various bacterial infections of the respiratory tract (influenza, pneumonia), genitourinary area (syphilis, gonorrhoea), anthrax infection, sinuses, eyes, and skin. Besides this, it is also indicated in the tick-borne infections (typhus fever) caused by the Rickettsia group of bacteria like typhus fever. Off-label, usage includes the prophylaxis or prevention of malaria in the prone area and the treatment of acne. Sometimes, your doctor might prescribe you Befadox Tablet as an alternative medicine to penicillin when penicillin is contraindicated.

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Iron and antacid (like magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide) may bind to Befadox Tablet in the gastrointestinal tract, lowering its efficiency. So, a gap of at least 2 hours should be maintained between intake of Befadox Tablet and iron supplements and antacids. Prolonged use of Befadox Tablet during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discolouration of the teeth (yellow-grey-brown). Besides this, in some cases, the use of Befadox Tablet causes antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Befadox Tablet may cause sensitive skin to sunlight and ultraviolet rays, causing an exaggerated sunburn reaction. Hence it is advisable to apply sunscreen before going outside. Its use has also been associated with an increased risk of fungal skin infections like (vaginal candidiasis - thrush). Tetracycline and Befadox Tablet can form a stable calcium complex in bone-forming tissue, thereby affecting the growth of fibula bones in young children and bone development in the foetus. Using a Befadox Tablet with isotretinoin should be avoided as it has been reported to cause pseudotumor cerebri (increased pressure inside the brain). Long-term use of Befadox Tablet may affect your blood, kidney, and liver health, so yearly diagnostics test of these parameters is recommended. Befadox Tablet  does not completely prevent malaria caused by P. falciparum as a Befadox Tablet is given only for the prophylactic regimen (protection) whenever anyone enters a malaria-prone area.

Drug-Drug Interactions: Befadox Tablet is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracycline or penicillin, retinoid medications taken by mouth (such as acitretin, isotretinoin), blood thinners (such as warfarin), heart disease medicine (digoxin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine), antacids (especially those containing aluminium, calcium, or magnesium, bismuth subsalicylate), iron supplements, and oral birth control pills. 

Drug-Food Interactions: Food containing calcium and iron should be avoided within 2 hours of Befadox Tablet as it may affect Befadox Tablet effectiveness. Avoid alcohol intake as it may lead to drowsiness and affect Befadox Tablet absorption.

Drug-Disease Interactions: Befadox Tablet should not be given to people with kidney problems, liver problems, swollen food pipe (esophagitis), lupus disease (an autoimmune disease), muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).

• ACITRETIN
• ISOTRETINOIN
• WARFARIN
• DIGOXIN
• PHENYTOIN
• CARBAMAZEPINE
• BISMUTH SUBSALICYLATE

• It would be best to take probiotics after taking the full course of Befadox Tablet to restore some healthy bacteria in the intestine that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.

• Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by gut bacteria which helps stimulate their growth. Thus fibre foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after taking a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread, and brown rice, should be included in your diet.

• Avoid taking too much calcium enriched foods and drinks as it might affect the working of Befadox Tablet .

• Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Befadox Tablet as it can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Befadox Tablet in fighting off infections.

• Befadox Tablet is preferably taken empty stomach or 1-2 hours before meals but it can lead to stomach upset. To avoid this, you may take Befadox Tablet with meals but ensure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
• To prevent throat irritation take Befadox Tablet in an upright position. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes of taking it. 
• Even if you feel better after taking Befadox Tablet , do not stop taking it until your doctor says so. This might cause the symptoms to reappear and will make the infection difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.
• Befadox Tablet can affect growing teeth, so it should be avoided during pregnancy and in children less than 8 years old.
• Befadox Tablet should not be consumed beyond its expiry date as after that it breaks down into harmful chemicals which can damage the kidney.
• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids when you are sick. This will in general help you clear out the infection faster, protect you from dehydration, and will help you overcome some unpleasant side effects of taking Befadox Tablet .
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen when you go out in the sun as Befadox Tablet can make your skin sensitive to light.

Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. A few harmful bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E.coli. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. However, people with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can be more prone to bacterial infection.

Rosacea: Rosacea is a skin infection that causes a persistent redness in the centre of your face. Small blood vessels on the cheeks and nose are often inflamed and red. Many people with rosacea also develop pimples on their faces, similar to acne.

Antibiotic-induced diarrhoea: Antibiotic-induced diarrhoea or Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea refers to the occurrence of diarrhoea (passing loose, watery stools more than 3 times per day) after taking antibiotics. It happens because antibiotics also kill beneficial intestinal bacteria (gut flora), which aids in food digestion and fighting off infections.