Oxytetracycline
About Oxytetracycline
Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic medicine that works against various types of bacteria. Oxytetracycline is generally prescribed for the treatment of various bacterial infections that affect the lungs, skin, urinary tract, and eyes. It is also used in treating sexually transmitted infections, rickettsial infections, and other infections caused by bacteria. Bacterial infection occurs when bacteria enter the body, multiply and cause a reaction in the body.
Oxytetracycline contains Oxytetracycline hydrochloride, which belongs to the class of antibiotics. It works by destroying the outer protein layer (cell wall) of bacteria, thereby killing the bacteria (bactericidal).
Oxytetracycline may cause certain side effects such as rash, vomiting, allergic reaction, fever, headache, cramps, feeling sick, sore throat, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects are mild and subside over time. Oxytetracycline should be taken as advised by your doctor.
Oxytetracycline should be avoided if you observe any allergic reactions during the treatment course. Let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver problems, myasthenia gravis, or are receiving vitamin A or retinoid therapy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Oxytetracycline.
Uses of Oxytetracycline
Medicinal Benefits
Oxytetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of bacterial infections. Infectious or harmful bacteria can reproduce quickly in your body and make you sick. Oxytetracycline kills the bacteria and prevents the growth of bacterial infection. This medicine can be effective in the treatment of respiratory tract infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, and ophthalmic infections.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Oxytetracycline
- Skin rashes
- Vomiting
- Allergic reaction
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Fever
- Myalgia
- Sore throat
- Feeling sick
- Tiredness
Drug Warnings
Discontinue the medicine and let your doctor know if you observe any allergic reaction while taking Oxytetracycline. This medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe liver/kidney disease, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, and receiving vitamin A or retinoid therapy. Before starting the treatment, inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver problems, myasthenia gravis, or are receiving retinoid therapy. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Oxytetracycline. Let your doctor know about your current medication history, mainly if you are taking oral contraceptives, diuretics, antidiabetic drugs, penicillin antibiotics, antacids, and anticoagulants, as it can decrease the effect of Oxytetracycline.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Oxytetracycline should not be given with anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin), diuretics (furosemide, torsemide), antidiabetic drugs (metformin, insulin), vitamin A, penicillin antibiotics (amoxicillin, cloxacillin), antacids (aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide), oral contraceptives, lithium, and other drugs
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid eating high-fat meals as this makes it harder for your body to absorb Oxytetracycline.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Oxytetracycline may interact with conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, and myasthenia gravis.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorOxytetracycline does not interact with alcohol. However, ask your doctor for more information on this.
Pregnancy
cautionOxytetracycline should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeOxytetracycline is not recommended for use by a nursing mother as it may affect newborn babies.
Driving
unsafeOxytetracycline may cause blurred vision as a side effect in some patients. Hence, it is advised not to drive or operate machines until you are alert.
Liver
cautionThis medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment. It should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. Inform your doctor if you have any symptoms, such as yellow discolouration of eyes, dark-coloured urine, jaundice, etc. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionThis medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe kidney impairment. It should be used under caution in patients with mild to moderate kidney disease. Inform your doctor if you have any symptoms like nausea, difficulty urinating, muscle cramps, etc. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor. Your child's doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Diarrhea may occur as a side effect. Taking probiotics along with Oxytetracycline may help. Talk to your doctor if you notice bloody stools or develop stomach cramps.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid an upset stomach and hydrate your body.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Oxytetracycline as it can make you dehydrated and may affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Oxytetracycline in fighting off infections.
- Maintain good hygiene and avoid contaminated or processed food.
Special Advise
- Even if you feel better after taking Oxytetracycline, do not stop taking the medicine. This might cause the symptoms to reappear and will make the infection difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance.
- Make sure you drink plenty of fluids when you are sick. This will, in general, help you clear out the infection faster, protect you from dehydration, and help you overcome some unpleasant side effects of taking Oxytetracycline.
- Stop taking Oxytetracycline and inform your doctor immediately if you develop an itchy rash or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, and breathing difficulties.
- Your doctor may suggest for a periodic blood test to check for kidney and liver functions.
- Avoid taking Oxytetracycline around the same time with milk or food, as it can decrease the effects of the medicine. Try to take 1 hour before or 2 hours after food with water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect the body. It can target any part of the body and multiply very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Anyone can get a bacterial infection, but people with a weak immune system or taking immunosuppressive medicines like steroids are more prone to infections. A few harmful bacteria that commonly cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Oxytetracycline does not work against infections caused by viruses, including colds and flu.
FAQs
Oxytetracycline is used to treat Bacterial infections.
Oxytetracycline contains Oxytetracycline, which works by destroying the outer protein layer (cell wall) of bacteria, thereby killing the bacteria (bactericidal).
Yes, after administration of Oxytetracycline, you may have diarrhea. Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic that kills or prevents bacterial growth, so in some cases, good intestinal bacteria that aid in digestion might also get killed. Hence, it is better to drink plenty of fluids and take probiotics to hydrate your body.
Oxytetracycline does not treat a viral infection like the flu or a common cold. So, if you experience cold symptoms, it is best to consult the doctor to know if you need Oxytetracycline for your condition.
Avoid drinking milk while taking Oxytetracycline. Consuming dairy products can interfere with the absorption of Oxytetracycline and reduces its effectiveness. Try to take Oxytetracycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after consuming milk or other dairy products.
You can eat 2 hours after taking Oxytetracycline to ensure proper absorption of Oxytetracycline.
Yes, if Oxytetracycline is causing stomach upset, you can take it with food to help reduce discomfort. However, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
The time it takes for Oxytetracycline to work can vary depending on the type and severity of the infection being treated. Generally, you might start to notice improvement soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better. Therefore, complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
The common side effects of Oxytetracycline are rash, vomiting, fever, headache, cramps, feeling sick, sore throat, tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhoea. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
