Generic
Oxytetracycline
10 brands available in the market
At a glance
Oxytetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used for respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, skin infections and other bacterial infections. It inhibits bacterial protein synthesis.
Description
Oxytetracycline is a bacteriostatic broad-spectrum antibiotic with wide activity against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit to prevent amino-acyl tRNA from binding to the A site of the ribosome, inhibiting protein synthesis.
Indications
- Respiratory tract infections
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases (Chlamydia, nongonococcal urethritis, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, gonorrhoea, syphilis)
- Skin infections (acne, rosacea)
- Ophthalmic infections (trachoma)
- Rickettsial infections
- Psittacosis, brucellosis, cholera, acute intestinal amoebiasis
Therapeutic class
Tetracycline Group of Drugs, Topical Antibiotics for Acne
Pharmacological class
Broad-spectrum Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Oxytetracycline binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit to inhibit bacterial protein synthesis, arresting cell growth. It is active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
Mechanism of action
Treats infections by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Susceptible infections: 250-500 mg 4 times daily; max 4 g/day
- Acne: 250-500 mg twice daily
- Gonorrhoea: 1.5 g initially, then 0.5 g 4 times daily (up to 9 g total)
Pediatric Dose (>8 years): 25-50 mg/kg/day in 4 divided doses
IM: Adult: 250 mg once daily or 300 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses; Child: 15-25 mg/kg/day
Administration
- Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals
- Swallow tablet whole
- Milk and dairy products interfere with absorption
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Glossitis
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
- Photosensitivity
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in children under 8 years (tooth discoloration)
- Caution in renal impairment
- Do not use in pregnancy (fetal tooth discoloration and growth retardation)
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Children under 8 years
- Renal damage
- Pregnancy and lactation
Drug interactions
- Antacids containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium, zinc or iron salts reduce absorption
- Increased levels of lithium, digoxin, theophylline
- May cause failure of oral contraception
- Increased risk of ergotism with ergot alkaloids
Food interactions
No harmful interaction with alcohol.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Oxytetracycline is highly unsafe during pregnancy; fetal tooth discoloration and growth retardation may occur.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Oxytetracycline is probably safe during breastfeeding; no significant risk to baby.
Pediatric use
Contraindicated in children under 8 years.
Geriatric use
Elderly may require dose adjustment.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Probably unsafe; avoid use.
Hepatic Impairment: Probably unsafe; avoid use.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C; protect from light & moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Oxytetracycline