Formulations containing tetracyclines for treating or preventing mucositis

Mucositis is treated and/or prevented by administering to a patient a formulation comprising a tetracycline that is poorly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. The tetracycline may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a base. The formulation may optionally also contain an antifungal agent to prevent fungal overgrowth due to reduction in the normal oral flora by the tetracycline. Such compositions have the advantage of treating the entire gastro-intestinal tract since the active ingredient is not removed from the tract via absorption. Further, such compositions minimize system exposure and accompanying side effects.