Tetracycline has a wide range of antibacterial activity. It interferes with the formation of a complex between the transport RNA and the ribosome, which leads to a violation of protein synthesis by a microbial cell. Active in relation to most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, spiophets, leptospires, rickettsiaes, trachomae pathogens, ornithosis, and large viruses.

Teramycin acts depressingly on pathogens of many diseases, as well as biomycin. It is less toxic and longer preserves its action in the body. The medicine is used for the treatment of anthrax, teileriosis, cholera and pasteurellosis and other diseases.