Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic drug to treat various diseases caused by bacterial infections, acne, and rosacea. This drug belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics.
Oxytetracycline works by inhibiting and stopping the growth of infection-causing bacteria in the body. Please note, this drug cannot be used to treat diseases caused by viral infections, such as the flu. This oxytetracycline should only be used according to a doctor's prescription.
Trademarkoxytetracycline: Oxytetracycline, Oxybiotic, Sancortmycin, Terra – Cortril, Terramycin
What's thatOxytetracycline
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Tetracycline antibiotics |
| Benefit | Overcoming bacterial infections |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Oxytetracycline for pregnant and lactating women | Category D:There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Oxytetracycline can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Ointments, eye ointments, and injections |
Warnings Before Using Oxytetracycline
Oxytetracycline should not be used carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before using oxytetracycline:
- Do not use oxytertracycline if you are allergic to this drug or to any tetracycline class of drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you are being treated with retinoids or penicillin drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had porphyria, liver disease, lupus, kidney disease, lactose intolerance, pancreatitis, or myasthenia gravis.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- Avoid being in the sun too long because oxytetracycline can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight. Use clothing that covers the whole body, glasses, and sunscreen, when doing outdoor activities.
- See your doctor right away if you have an overdose, drug allergic reaction, or a more serious side effect after taking oxytetracycline.
Oxytetracycline Dosage and Rules
The dose of oxytetracycline is different for each patient. The doctor will give the dose and determine the length of treatment according to the patient's condition and age. The following is the distribution of oxytetracycline doses based on the form of the drug and the patient's condition:
- Oxytetracycline eye ointmentTo treat conjunctivitis, apply eye ointment to the conjunctiva of the lower eyelid (eye bag) 2–4 times a day.
- Oxytetracycline ointmentTo treat skin infections, apply the ointment on the infected skin 4 times a day.
Oxytetracycline is also available in injectable dosage forms. This drug can be given to patients with conditions that are prone to bacterial infections. The dose of injectable oxytetracycline will be adjusted to the patient's condition and the administration will be carried out directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
How to Use Oxytetracycline Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the information listed on the medicine package before using oxytetracycline. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Use oxytetracycline at the same time for maximum results.
Do not forget to always wash your hands before and after using oxytetracycline ointment or eye ointment.
How to use oxytetracycline eye ointment is to pull the bottom of the eyelid, then apply the drug on the inside of the eye bag slowly. After that, close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. Do not touch the eye area and the medicine so that the treatment is not contaminated with bacteria.
Injectable oxytetracycline should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor will inject oxytetracycline according to the patient's condition.
Store oxytetracycline in a tightly closed storage area out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and in a humid place.
Interaction Oxytetracycline with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that can occur when taking oxytetracycline together with other drugs:
- Decreased drug effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs
- Increased risk of impaired renal function if used with diuretic drugs
- Increased risk of occurrence benign intracranial hypertension when used with retinoids
- Decreased effectiveness of oxytetracycline when used with antacids, iron, and medications containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium, or zinc
- Increased levels of lithium, digoxin, or theophylline in the blood
- Decreased effectiveness of atovaquone in the blood
- Increased risk of ergotamine poisoning (ergotismus) when used with ergotamine
- Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills
Effect Samping and the Dangers of Oxytetracycline
Side effects that may appear after taking oxytetracycline are:
- Diarrhea
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Stomach ache
- Ulcer
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyes and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Visual disturbance
- Pain when swallowing
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Yellow skin and eyes
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight