Oxytetracycline
Generic Details
Generic Name
Oxytetracycline
Other Names
- Terramycin
- Oxyterracin
Drug Class
- Tetracycline Antibiotic
Chemical Formula
C22H24N2O9
Molecular Weight
460.44 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit
Indications
- Acne
- Chlamydia infections
- Lyme disease
- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infections
Common Dosage Forms
- Capsules
- Tablets
- Topical cream
Typical Dosage
- 250 mg - 500 mg every 6 hours
Pediatric Dosage
- Dosing based on weight and age, to be determined by a healthcare provider
Geriatric Dosage
- May require dosage adjustment, consult healthcare provider
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Photosensitivity
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
- Pregnancy
- Children under 8 years old
Pregnancy Category
- D
Lactation Safety
- May pass into breast milk, consult healthcare provider
Drug Interactions
- Antacids
- Oral contraceptives
- Warfarin
Overdose Symptoms
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Intracranial hypertension
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, treatment is symptomatic
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues
- Metabolism: Partially metabolized in the liver
- Excretion: Primarily excreted unchanged in the urine
Precautions
- Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment
Warnings
- Risk of discoloration of teeth if administered to children under 8 years old
Others
- May decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, use alternative birth control methods during treatment