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ANTIINFECTIVES FOR SYSTEMIC USE › ANTIBACTERIALS FOR SYSTEMIC USE › TETRACYCLINES › Tetracyclines
oxytetracycline
J01AA06
Forms & Strengths
- Capsules: 250mg
- Tablets: 250mg
- Injectable: 50mg/mL, 100mg/mL
- Ophthalmic ointment: 5mg/g
Adult Dosing
- Acute infections: 250-500mg every 6 hours
- Chronic infections: 250-500mg every 12 hours
- Severe infections: 500mg every 6 hours
Pediatric Dosing
- Children >8 years: 25-50mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours
- Children <8 years: Not recommended due to tooth discoloration risk
Indications
- Treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms
- Bacterial infections: pneumonia, bronchitis, skin and soft tissue infections
- Rickettsial infections: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever
- Certain STDs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits protein synthesis by binding to 30S ribosomal subunit
- Interferes with aminoacyl-tRNA binding to ribosomal complex
- Ultimately inhibits bacterial growth and proliferation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to oxytetracycline or other tetracyclines
- Pregnancy, especially after 16th week due to inhibiting bone growth
- Children <8 years due to risk of permanent tooth discoloration
- Concurrent use of methoxyflurane
Adverse Reactions
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Dermatologic: photosensitivity, rash
- Hepatic: elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis
- Renal: increased BUN, nephrotoxicity
Drug Interactions
- Decreased absorption with antacids, milk, and iron supplements
- Concurrent use with warfarin may increase anticoagulant effect
- Increased risk of nephrotoxicity with concurrent use of diuretics
- Decreased effectiveness with concurrent use of penicillins
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use