Formulary
Oxytetracycline: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Oxytetracycline clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Oxytetracycline: Indications, Dosing, Side Effects and Interactions
Oxytetracycline clinical drug profile including indications, dosing, side effects, cautions and interactions.
Indications and dose
**Susceptible infections (e.g. chlamydia, rickettsia and mycoplasma)**
- **Child** (By Mouth): 12-17 years 250-500 mg 4 times a day.
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 250-500 mg 4 times a day.
**Rosacea**
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 500 mg twice daily usually for 6-12 weeks (course may be repeated intermittently).
**Acne**
- **Adult** (By Mouth): 500 mg twice daily.
**Susceptible infections (e.g. chlamydia, rickettsia and mycoplasma) for oxytetracycline**
- **Child 12-17 years** (By mouth): 250-500 mg 4 times a day.
**Acne for oxytetracycline**
- **Child 12-17 years** (By mouth): 500 mg twice daily.
Cautions
Myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness may be increased); systemic lupus erythematosus (may be exacerbated)
Contraindications
Children under 12 years (deposition in growing bone and teeth, by binding to calcium, causes staining and occasionally dental hypoplasia)
Side effects
Common or very common Angioedema; diarrhoea; headache; Henoch-Schnlein purpura; hypersensitivity; nausea; pericarditis; photosensitivity reaction; skin reactions; systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbated; vomiting Uncommon Dizziness; pancreatitis Rare or very rare Appetite decreased; discolouration of thyroid gland; dysphagia; eosinophilia; fontanelle bulging (in infants); gastrointestinal disorders; glossitis; haemolytic anaemia; hepatic disorders; idiopathic intracranial hypertension; increased risk of infection; neutropenia; pseudomembranous enterocolitis; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; thrombocytopenia Frequency not known Tooth discolouration Side-effects, further information Headache and visual disturbances may indicate benign intracranial hypertension (discontinue treatment if raised intracranial pressure develops). Side-effects For oxytetracycline Frequency not known Gastrointestinal discomfort; renal impairment
Pregnancy
Should not be given to pregnant women; effects on skeletal development have been documented in the first trimester in animal studies. Administration during the second or third trimester may cause discoloration of the child's teeth, and maternal hepatotoxicity has been reported with large parenteral doses.
Breast feeding
Should not be given to women who are breast-feeding (although absorption and therefore discoloration of teeth in the infant is probably usually prevented by chelation with calcium in milk).
Hepatic impairment
In general, manufacturers advise caution. Hepatic impairment For oxytetracycline Dose adjustments Manufacturer advises avoid in high doses.
Renal impairment
Avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk (risk of accumulation). M Dose adjustments Reduce dose and/or increase dosing interval if use is essential. M
Medicinal forms
Suspension
Clinical governance
**Author:** MedNext Clinical Team. **Clinical reviewer:** Dr Shameer Deen, MBBS, MS, MRCS. **Sources:** BNF, Indian Pharmacopoeia, CIMS India. **Correction:** Report errors at support@mednext.academy.
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