Why tetracycline should not be given to children under 8 years?

Tetracycline should not be given to children under 8 years because it can cause permanent discoloration of developing teeth, leading to yellow, gray, or brown staining. Additionally, it may interfere with bone growth and development. The risk of these adverse effects outweighs the benefits of using tetracycline in this age group. Therefore, alternative antibiotics are typically recommended for young children.