Oxytetracycline


Generic Medicine Info
Indications and Dosage
Oral
Brucellosis
Adult: In combination with streptomycin: 500 mg 4 times daily. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.

Oral
Rectal infection due to Chlamydia trachomatis, Uncomplicated genital infections due to Chlamydia trachomatis
Adult: 500 mg 4 times daily for 7 days. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.

Oral
Acne vulgaris
Adult: 250-500 mg in single or divided doses for at least 3 months. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.

Oral
Nongonococcal urethritis
Adult: For cases associated with Ureaplasma urealyticum: 500 mg 4 times daily for 7 days. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.

Oral
Epididymo-orchitis
Adult: For the treatment of acute cases associated with Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae: 500 mg 4 times daily for 10 days. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.

Oral
Rosacea
Adult: For the treatment of severe cases: 250-500 mg in single or divided doses for at least 3 months. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.

Oral
Primary syphilis, Secondary syphilis
Adult: As an alternative treatment: Early syphilis: 500 mg 4 times daily for 15 days. Latent syphilis of >1 year or of unknown duration, CV syphilis, or late benign syphilis (except neurosyphilis): 500 mg 4 times daily for 30 days. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.

Oral
Streptococcal infectious disease
Adult: Usual dosage range: 250-500 mg 6 hourly. Max treatment duration: 10 days. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries or individual products. Refer to specific product guidelines.
Renal Impairment
Contraindicated.
Hepatic Impairment
Contraindicated.
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to oxytetracycline or to other tetracycline antibiotics. Porphyria, SLE. Hepatic and renal impairment. Children <12 years. Pregnancy and lactation. Patients receiving vitamin A or retinoid therapy.
Special Precautions
Patient with myasthenia gravis. Children and elderly.
Adverse Reactions
Significant: Haematologic disorders (e.g. haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, eosinophilia), increased BUN, intracranial hypertension, photosensitivity, overgrowth of non-susceptible organisms, permanent yellow-grey-brown tooth discolouration (during the period of tooth development, in the last half of pregnancy, children <12 years), enamel hypoplasia (long-term use or repeated short-term courses), fatty liver degeneration, pancreatitis (high doses).
Cardiac disorders: Pericarditis.
Endocrine disorders: Brown-black microscopic discolouration of thyroid tissue (prolonged use).
Gastrointestinal disorders: Gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhoea, anorexia, dysphagia, pseudomembranous colitis, glossitis, rectal irritation; oropharyngeal or intestinal candidiasis.
Hepatobiliary disorders: Hepatotoxicity (e.g. hepatitis, jaundice, hepatic failure).
Immune system disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions.
Renal and urinary disorders: Renal dysfunction.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Macropapular and erythematous rash, urticaria, angioneurotic oedema, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, exfoliative dermatitis, exacerbation of SLE.
Patient Counseling Information
This drug may cause photosensitivity reactions; avoid exposure to direct sunlight or UV light and apply sunscreen when going outdoors.
Monitoring Parameters
Perform culture and susceptibility tests prior to treatment initiation; consult local institutional recommendations before treatment initiation due to antibiotic resistance risks. Monitor CBC, renal function, and LFTs (in patients on long-term therapy).
Drug Interactions
Impaired absorption with antacids, Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, Zn, and anti-diarrhoeal preparations (e.g. kaolin-pectin, bismuth subsalicylate). May impair renal function with diuretics. May depress plasma prothrombin activity; dosage reduction of anticoagulants may be needed. May prolong the therapeutic activity of coumarin anticoagulants. May increase the hypoglycaemic effects of insulin and sulfonylureas. May diminish the therapeutic effect of penicillin. May cause breakthrough bleeding with oral contraceptives.
Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of benign intracranial hypertension with vitamin A or retinoids. Increased risk of nephrotoxicity with methoxyflurane or other nephrotoxic drugs.
Food Interaction
Reduced absorption with food, milk, and dairy products.
Action
Description:
Mechanism of Action: Oxytetracycline, is a broad spectrum tetracycline derivative that exhibits its bacteriostatic action against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption: Incompletely and irregularly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 1-4 hours.
Distribution: Widely distributed throughout the body tissues and fluids. Crosses the placenta and enters breast milk. Plasma protein binding: Approx 20-40%.
Excretion: Via urine (40-70%); faeces. Elimination half-life: Approx 6-12 hours.
Chemical Structure

Chemical Structure Image
Oxytetracycline

Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 54675779, Oxytetracycline. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Oxytetracycline. Accessed Nov. 29, 2021.

Storage
Store below 25°C.
MIMS Class
Tetracyclines
ATC Classification
J01AA06 - oxytetracycline ; Belongs to the class of tetracyclines. Used in the systemic treatment of infections.
References
Anon. Oxytetracycline. Lexicomp Online. Hudson, Ohio. Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. https://online.lexi.com. Accessed 08/10/2021.

Buckingham R (ed). Oxytetracycline. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 08/10/2021.

Joint Formulary Committee. Oxytetracycline. British National Formulary [online]. London. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 08/10/2021.

Oxytetracycline 250 mg Tablets (Crescent Pharma Ltd.). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 08/10/2021.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Oxytetracycline from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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