General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Terramycin cap (Pfizer)
Oxter vial (Ind-Swift)
Oxytetracycline is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Oxytetracycline pronounced as: ox-ee- tet-ra-SYE-kleen
Oxytetracycline is an anti infective / antibacterial drug belonging to tetracycline group of antibiotics.
Oxytetracycline is used in the treatment of severe Acne, superficial bacterial infections of the eye, Urinary tract infection, Gonorrhoea and infections of the skin.
Take oxytetracycline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instruction ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
Take oral dose of oxytetracycline on empty stomach 1hr before or 2hrs after meals with 1 glass of water at regular intervals as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not skip any doses. Continue to take it even when you feel better.
You must complete the entire course of medication to get maximum benefit; else the infection will not clear completely and in due course result in development of resistance.
Do not antacids, mineral supplement containing iron, zinc, calcium along with Oxytetracycline medication as it interferes with its absorption. Take it 2hrs before or 2hrs after taking Oxytetracycline.
Always check the date of expiry before using this medication as it can cause fatal damage to the kidneys if used past expiry date,
- Inform your doctor if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like
- Retinoid drugs like Isotretinoin, Tretinoin
- Digoxin, lithium, theophylline
- Oral anticoagulants(warfarin)
- Penicillin antibiotics(ampicillin,amoxicillin, bacampicillin)
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical conditions as Oxytetracycline should be used cautiously in the below mentioned conditions
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Lupus erythematosus
Do not take oxytetracycline if you are hypersensitive to any of the tetracycline group.
Children: Oxytetracycline should not be used in children less than 8yrs as it can affect their growth and cause permanent discoloration of teeth.
Old people:
Pregnant woman: Oxytetracycline belongs to FDA pregnancy category D. This means that oxytetracycline can harm an unborn baby and cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. Do not use oxytetracycline with out your doctor consent however its use is justified if the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: Oxytetracycline passes into breast milk; it can affect the Childs growth and cause permanent discoloration of teeth. Inform your doctor if you are breast feeding your child.
Other:
Avoid taking dairy product when on oxytetracycline medication as it decreases its absorption.
Oxytetracycline is available as tablet, injection, topical cream and gel. Your doctor will prescribe them depending on the severity of the disease and condition
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease.
Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
For detailed dosage information, consult your doctor who will prescribe you depending on the severity of the disease.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The overdose symptoms of Oxytetracycline are not known.
Oxytetracycline may causes following side effects like
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen tongue
- Vaginal itching and discharge
- Mouth sores
- Sores in the genital and rectal area
Consult your doctor immediately if notice following symptoms.
- Allergic reaction like swollen lips, hives, difficulty in breathing, rashes peeling of skin, blistering etc
- Decrease in the amount of urine passed
- Severe diarrhoea associated with bloody stools
- Jaundice( yellowing of eyes and skin)
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Severe pain in the upper abdomen radiating to back
Store oxytetracycline at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
Oxytetracycline can make the birth pills less effective. Consult your doctor regarding the use of other effective contraceptive methods like condoms, diaphragm, spermicidal gels etc to avoid pregnancy.
Oxytetracycline sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Avoid prolong exposure or uses long sleeved clothing and sunscreen (SPF-15) when you go out in sun.
Discard the leftover or expired oxytetracycline immediately. Use of expired medicine may lead to severe kidney damage.
Antibiotics usually cause mild diarrhoea. Consult your doctor immediately if it is severe, associated with mucus or bloody stools, as it could be sign of new infection or pseudomembranous colitis.
If you are planning to undergo any surgery inform your surgeon regarding the use of oxytetracycline medication.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date: Mar26th,09