Oxytetracycline is used to treat various bacterial infections that can affect the lungs, urinary tract, eyes and skin. It is also used to treat certain sexually transmitted diseases, cholera, leptospirosis and microorganism infections (transmitted through tick bites, mite bites or other insect bites).
What is Oxytetracycline?
Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the protein synthesis in bacteria.
How should Oxytetracycline be taken?
Oxytetracycline is generally administered orally in the form of tablets every 6 hours. The tablets should be taken in between meals (1 hour before a meal and 2 hours after a meal) with a glass of water. Oxytetracycline should not be taken just before bedtime.
Side effects associated with Oxytetracycline
Among the possible side effects of oxytetracycline include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen tongue
- Rash
- Difficulty swallowing
- Itch
- Red spots on the skin
- Increased skin sensitivity to the sun
- Inflammation and esophageal ulcers that cause pain upon swallowing
- Headache (sometimes associated with vision problems)
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe, persistent or bloody diarrhea (sometimes associated with a headache or fever)
- Redness of the skin
- Severe pain while swallowing
- Severe or persistent headache (especially if it is associated with vision problems)
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching or swelling, dizziness and respiratory problems )
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Oxytetracycline
Oxytetracycline should not be taken in combination with milk, indigestion medications or iron-based or zinc-based medications.
Before starting treatment with Oxytetracycline, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: anticoagulants, antacids, drugs for the treatment of ulcers, diuretics, anti-diarrheal medications, quinapril, calcium supplements, iron supplements, aluminum supplements, magnesium or zinc supplements
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus and porphyria
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with oxytetracycline.
