Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections of the skin and genitals.
This medicine is also used as an alternative treatment for certain sexually transmitted diseases (STD) such as syphilis.
Oxytetracycline may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Oxytetracycline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Oxytetracycline is best taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Take Oxytetracycline at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Oxytetracycline or similar medicines such as tetracycline.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
as Oxytetracycline may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Oxytetracycline, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Oxytetracycline.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not give Oxytetracycline to children below 12 years old unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Do not take this medicine if you are receiving vitamin A or retinoid therapy.
Inform your doctor if you have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder).
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child (12 years old and above) and the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and kidney function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Oxytetracycline may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort.
This medicine may also cause teeth discolouration. Discuss with your doctor if you are concerned with this side effect.
Oxytetracycline may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- burning or redness, and tingling of the skin
Oxytetracycline will cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Oxytetracycline with the following medicines:
- isotretinoin (medicine used to treat acne)
- vitamin A
- methoxyflurane (medicine to block pain and sensation)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- water pills
- blood-thinning medicines
- penicillin (antibiotic)
- medicines for high cholesterol e.g. colestipol
- insulin (medicine for diabetes)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Oxytetracycline.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc medicines. These could reduce the effectiveness of Oxytetracycline. If you must take these medicines, take them at least 3 hours after you have taken this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you are taking birth control pills. Oxytetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. You may wish to discuss additional birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not take Oxytetracycline with dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt or ice cream. Dairy products may reduce the effectiveness of Oxytetracycline when taken at the same time.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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