Congenital cataract due to tetracycline Animal experiments and clinical observation

Abstract

For the first time, a congenital cataract due to tetracycline hydrochloride in animal experiments and in human foetuses was demonstrated. This cataract was found after intramuscular or peroral administration of tetracycline hydrochloride to pregnant animals or pregnant women. No eye changes were observed in sucklings due to lactation, when the mothers were treated with tetracycline post-partum. The most dangerous period for tetracycline cataract formation seems to be the first trimester of pregnancy.