Tetracyclines are avoided in children under eight years of age primarily because they:
- A Cause permanent yellow-brown discoloration of developing teeth and depress bone growth ✓
- B Produce kernicterus through displacement of bilirubin from albumin
- C Inhibit cartilage development in weight-bearing joints
- D Cause irreversible sensorineural deafness
Correct answer: A. Cause permanent yellow-brown discoloration of developing teeth and depress bone growth
Explanation
Tetracyclines chelate divalent cations such as calcium and deposit in developing bone and dentin, causing brown discoloration of teeth and transient depression of bone growth when given during odontogenesis. Option C describes fluoroquinolones, option D describes aminoglycosides, and option B describes sulfonamides in neonates. This is a classic direct-recall item tested repeatedly in Indian entrance exams.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.