Oxytetracycline is indicated for the treatment of:

• Respiratory tract infections – including Mycoplasma pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases – infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis including uncomplicated urethral, endocervical, or rectal infections, non-gonococcal urethritis, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, gonorrhoea, syphilis
• Skin infections – acne and rosacea
• Ophthalmic infections – trachoma
• Rickettsial infections
• Other infections – psittacosis, brucellosis, cholera, acute intestinal amoebiasis, etc.

Oxytetracycline is a bacteriostatic broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. It works mainly by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, stopping bacterial growth. It is also effective against parasites such as rickettsia, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and amoeba.

Oxytetracycline works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis, thereby preventing bacterial growth. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit and stops amino-acyl tRNA from attaching to the A site of the ribosome. This binding is reversible. Oxytetracycline is lipophilic, allowing it to pass through cell membranes easily or diffuse passively through porin channels in bacterial membranes.

Adults: 250-500 mg every 6 hours. Food, milk and some dairy products interfere with the absorption of Tetracyclines. So Tetracyclines should be given one hour before or two hours after meals.

Antacids containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, or iron salts may reduce the absorption of oxytetracycline. During prolonged therapy, tetracyclines can decrease plasma prothrombin activity, and adjustment of doses of concurrent anticoagulants may be required. There have been reports of pregnancy or breakthrough bleeding associated with the concurrent use of tetracyclines or oxytetracycline with oral contraceptives.

Oxytetracycline is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines. It should not be used in children under 12 years of age. It is also contraindicated during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal tooth discoloration and potential effects on growth.

Reported side effects of oxytetracycline include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, glossitis, skin rashes, and urticaria.

Animal studies indicate that tetracyclines can cross the placenta, accumulate in fetal tissues, and may exert toxic effects on the developing fetus. Evidence of embryotoxicity has also been observed when administered during early pregnancy. Tetracyclines are excreted in the breast milk of lactating women taking this class of drugs.

Oxytetracycline should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment.

Eye anti-infective and antiseptic agents; tetracycline class of drugs; topical antibiotics for acne.

Store below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.