Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the skin, lung, eye, genitals and bladder. It is also used to treat certain infectious diarrhoea and sexually-transmitted diseases (STD).
This medicine 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. This will help improve the absorption of Oxytetracycline.
This medicine must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue to take Oxytetracycline even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
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.
Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to similar antibiotics such as doxycycline, lymecycline, minocycline or tetracycline.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- porphyria (inherited disorder that may cause skin or nerve problems)
- syphilis (a certain type of sexually-transmitted disease)
- systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE (immune system disorder marked by skin inflammation)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Oxytetracycline may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort. These side effects are usually temporary.
This medicine may also cause discoloration of teeth. Discuss with your doctor if you are concern with this side effect.
Oxytetracycline may also cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid direct or long hours of exposure to the sun and other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light like tanning beds or sun lamps.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- headache and visual disturbance
- pain when swallowing, chest pain
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- penicillin antibiotics e.g. amoxicillin
- medicines for treating acne e.g. isotretinoin, acitretin
- medicines for high cholesterol e.g. colestipol
- acenocoumarol (a blood-thinning medicine)
- medicine for diabetes e.g. insulin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Oxytetracycline.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids, multivitamins, calcium pills, iron pills or laxatives containing magnesium. 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. These could reduce the effectiveness of Oxytetracycline. Take Oxytetracycline at least 2 hours before or after you have taken any dairy products.
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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