Uses of Oxytetracycline

Oxytetracycline is used to treat a wide range of infections caused by bacteria. These include lung infections such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis or whooping cough, urinary tract (bladder and kidney) infections, sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis, skin infections such as acne, infections of the eye such as conjunctivitis, rickettsial infections such as Q fever or tick fever (severe headache, rash, high fever).

It is also used for other infections such as brucellosis (headache, sickness, fever, swollen lymph nodes), psittacosis (headache, nose bleeds, shivering, fever), plague (painful swelling of the lymph nodes), cholera (severe sickness and diarrhoea), leptospirosis (fever causing jaundice or meningitis), gas-gangrene and tetanus (lock jaw).

Therapeutic Category

Oxytetracycline: Antibiotics

How Oxytetracycline works

Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic that works by interfering with the bacterial protein synthesis, leading to cell death. Thus, helps to treat bacterial infection effectively.

Common side effects of Oxytetracycline

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips tongue, throat causing breathing difficulty or wheezing which can lead to collapse
• If you experience chest pain or breathing difficulties or a dry cough (symptoms of pericarditis or swelling of the heart membrane)
• If you experience symptoms of raised pressure in the skull such as headache, visual problems including blurred vision, blind spots, double vision
• If you experience sensitivity to sunlight or artificial light such as sun-bed (symptoms such as tingling, burning or redness of the skin)
• If you experience serious skin reactions such as swelling or peeling or Stevens-Johnson syndrome (symptoms are fever, blisters on the skin, eyes, mouth and genitals)

Health Tips for Oxytetracycline

• Take oxytetracycline exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. This typically involves taking the medication at specific intervals and for the entire duration prescribed, even if your symptoms improve
• Take the medication with a full glass of water, and try to take it on an empty stomach, about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. This can help improve absorption and reduce the chance of stomach upset
• Dairy products and calcium supplements can interfere with the absorption of oxytetracycline. Therefore, avoid consuming these products within a few hours of taking the medication
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help prevent dehydration and ensure optimal kidney function. Antibiotics like oxytetracycline can increase the risk of dehydration
• Oxytetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to an increased risk of sunburn. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen when going outside
• If you are taking birth control pills, be aware that oxytetracycline can reduce their effectiveness. Consider using additional contraception methods during treatment and for a few weeks afterward
• While there might not be a direct interaction between oxytetracycline and alcohol, it's generally a good idea to avoid alcohol when you're on any medication to prevent potential complications