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Oxytetracycline

Authored by

Dr Adam Williams

20 August 2024

What is Oxytetracycline?

Oxytetracycline is an oral antibiotic treatment for acne, rosacea and other bacterial infections. This medication is suitable for treating persistent and cystic acne as well as many common bacterial infections.

Description

What is Oxytetracycline?

Oxytetracycline is a prescription antibiotic medication that can treat various bacterial infections, including lung infections, UTIs, STIs, skin infections and infections of the eye such as conjunctivitis.

How does it work?

Oxytetracycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic. Antibiotics work by killing off bacteria or preventing them from spreading. Tetracycline antibiotics are largely used to treat acne and rosacea.

Is Oxytetracycline suitable for me?

This medication is not suitable for those under 12 years of age. Consult with your doctor before beginning this medication.

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Dosage

Commonly Used Dosage Guidelines for Oxytetracycline.

The usual doses are for at least 10 days unless otherwise directed by your doctor. For Adults, Elderly and Children 12 years or over.

For general infections:

Take 1 tablet (250mg) every 6 hours, you may be given 2 tablets (500mg) initially.
For severe infections your doctor may increase your dosage to 500mg (2 tablets) every 6 hours.

For Specific infections:

Skin infections: 1-2 tablets (250-500mg) daily either as a single dose or in divided doses for three months.
Brucellosis: 2 tablets (500mg) four times a day with streptomycin.
Sexually transmitted diseases: 2 tablets (500mg) four times a day for between 7 and 30 days depending on your condition.

Side Effects

All medications can cause potential side effects, below we have listed some potential side effects, however, these do not always occur. If you notice these or indeed any unexpected reactions you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Gastric upsets, such as feeling or being sick, diarrhoea and difficulty in swallowing and irritation of the oesophagus (gullet).
Pseudomembranous colitis (watery diarrhoea, fever and cramps).
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis, causing pain in the abdomen or back, feeling sick and fever)
Changes in the numbers and types of your blood cells. If you notice increased bruising, nosebleeds, sore throats, infections, excessive tiredness, breathlessness on exertion or abnormal paleness of the skin, you should tell your doctor who may want you to have a blood test.
Redness or colour change of the skin, flaky skin, thrush or irritation around your bottom and genital area. If you already suffer from SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) Oxytetracycline tablets may make your condition worse
Changes in liver or kidney function (tiredness, pain in the abdomen or back, difficulty passing urine) jaundice (yellow skin or eyes).
An over growth of resistant organisms which may cause infection/inflammation of the mouth, tongue, intestines and vagina,
Skin rashes, which involve changes to the colour and texture of the skin.