Oxytetracycline: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What drug oxytetracycline?

What is oxytetracycline for?

Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic drug used to treat bacterial infections. This drug can be used to treat types of bacterial infections, both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Some health conditions that can be treated with this medicine are gonorrhea, dermatitis, and eye infections.

The way oxytetracycline works is to inhibit the growth of bacterial cells by binding to the 30S and 50S ribosome subunits in reverse.

According to MIMS, oxytetracycline is available as an ointment or topical which can be used for the skin and eyes. Apart from eye ointment, oxytetracycline is also available as an intramuscular injection and oral medication.

How do I use oxytetracycline?

For oral medication, take oxytetracycline on an empty stomach. The medicine can be taken 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals.

Follow the medication rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. Always read the instructions for using drugs before using this medicine.

For oxytetracycline eye ointment, wash your hands first before applying the medicine. To avoid contamination, take care that the tip of the medicine package does not touch your fingers and does not come into contact with your eyes.

Apply oxytetracycline ointment 1 cm long on the inside of the lower eyelid, then close the eye slowly and move the eyeball in all directions to disperse the drug. Don't try to blink or rub your eyes.

Repeat this step for the other eye as needed. Use topical medications as directed by your doctor. Wipe the end of the oxytetracycline eye ointment tube with a clean tissue to remove residual medication before starting again.

Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, for longer than recommended. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Oxytetracycline is best stored at room temperature and kept away from direct light and damp areas. Do not store in the bathroom and do not freeze.

Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush Oxytetracycline down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when the drug has expired or when it is no longer needed.

Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal agency about how to safely dispose of your medicine.

Oxytetracycline dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of oxytetracycline for adults?

The following are the recommended dosages for adults:

Oral oxytetracycline (drink)

• common infections: 250-500 mg 4 times a day, up to 4 grams a day
• acne: 250-500 mg 2 times a day
• gonorrhea: 1.5 grams for the initial dose, followed by 0.5 grams in divided doses 4 times a day. The maximum dose is 9 grams in one treatment

Topical oxyteracycline

• eye infection: apply oxytetracycline eye ointment under the eye 2-4 times a day
• dermatitis: apply on the infected area 4 times a day

Oxytetracycline injection

• common infections: 250 mg once daily, or 300 mg daily with 2-3 separate doses

What is the dosage of Oxytetracycline for children?

The following are the dosages recommended for children:

Oral oxytetracycline (drink)

• common infections: 20-50 mg / kg body weight daily, divided into 4 separate doses

Oxytetracycline injection

• common infections: 15-25 mg / kg body weight (maximum 250 mg), divided into 2-3 separate doses

This medicine should not be given to children under 8 years of age.

In what dosage is this drug available?

Oxytetracycline is available as an oral medication, eye ointment, and injection.

Oxytetracycline side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to Oxytetracycline?

This drug has the potential to cause several side effects, including:

• decreased appetite
• nausea
• gag
• diarrhea
• visual disturbances
• blood pressure increases
• sensitive to sunlight

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic) may also occur in certain people. Stop using the drug if the following signs appear:

• swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue
• skin rash
• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Oxytetracycline Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

You need to pay attention to several things before using oxytetracycline drugs. The following conditions must be considered:

• Tell your doctor about any medications you are currently using, whether prescription, non-prescription, supplements, or herbal medicines.
• Tell your doctor about any illnesses or other health conditions you are currently suffering from.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergies to oxytetracycline or any of the ingredients in this medicine.
• For elderly patients, people with kidney problems or liver problems; myasthenia gravis; lupus erythematosus, as well as children under 8 years of age need further supervision regarding the use of this drug.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication.

This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Oxytetracycline Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with oxytetracycline?

Interactions with other drugs can affect how the drug works and increase the risk of dangerous side effects. This article does not list all possible drug interactions.

Record all medicinal products you use (including prescription, non-prescription and herbal medicines) and share them with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's permission.

The following is a list of drugs that can cause interactions when used together with oxyteracycline:

• antacids, iron, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, and zinc: will reduce the absorption of this drug

Can food or alcohol interact with Oxytetracycline?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your doctor, medical team, or pharmacist.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this drug is safe to use if you have any other health conditions.

Some of the health conditions that may interact with oxytetracycline are liver and kidney disease.

Oxytetracycline overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118 or 119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose in one drink.