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oxytetracycline

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Buy oxytetracycline safely, securely and easily in a few simple steps. Start a consultation today to check your eligibility with a prescribing clinician, at no cost to you.

Includes Free Private Prescription

This content is intended for UK audiences only

oxytetracycline
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Manufactured by various MHRA-approved generic manufacturers

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Navin Khosla NowPatientGreen tick
Updated on 26 Mar 2024
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What to do if you missed your oxytetracycline dose

The MHRA's reporting program for suspected side effects to medicines, vaccines, e-cigarettes, medical device incidents, defective or falsified (fake) products to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to ensure safe and effective use.

Learn more about reporting side effects

Other known brand names

Terramycin

About oxytetracycline

Oxytetracycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections. It is used for the treatment of infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Haemophilus influenzae (chest infections).

It is also used to treat infections caused by some types of bites, chlamydia, acne, rosacea and urinary tract infections. It works by stopping bacteria from producing essential proteins, without which the bacteria cannot grow.

Now Patient offers oxytetracycline as a treatment for acne, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of oxytetracycline

  • Oxytetracycline is classed as a broad-spectrum antibiotic as it works against a wide range of infections
  • Oxytetracycline can be taken up to 12 weeks for the treatment of acne
  • Oxytetracycline has some common side effects which include an upset stomach and diarrhea
  • It can be dangerous if you take oxytetracycline with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician

Who is oxytetracycline not suitable for?

Oxytetracycline may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking oxytetracycline if you:

  • Have had an allergic reaction to oxytetracycline in the past
  • Have kidney or liver disease
  • Have porphyria
  • Have systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Have myasthenia gravis
  • Have galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption
  • Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
  • Are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. Oxytetracycline may pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby
  • Are under 12 years of age

How and where to get oxytetracycline?

Oxytetracycline is available as a prescription only medication. It is not available over the counter.

Now Patient does not allow customers to buy oxytetracycline directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of acne, you can discuss if oxytetracycline is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by Now Patient.

Dosage and strength for oxytetracycline for acne

Oxytetracycline is available in tablet form when used for acne, it is available as 250mg tablets. The typical dose of oxytetracycline is one tablet twice a day. Do not take more than prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Information about how to take oxytetracycline for acne

Take oxytetracycline tablets as directed by your doctor and read the patient information leaflet given to you. Take oxytetracycline on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water.

Do not take oxytetracycline with products that contain iron, zinc, or sodium bicarbonate or antacids containing aluminum, magnesium or calcium at the same time.

What happens if you take too much oxytetracycline?

If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects.

You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much oxytetracycline and you experience any side effects.

What are the side effects of oxytetracycline?

Side effects of oxytetracycline are split into common and serious.

Common side effects include:

  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Serious side effects include:

  • Signs of liver problems such as dark urine, tiredness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, light-coloured stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding
  • Fever or chills
  • Sore throat, trouble swallowing
  • Mouth sores or irritation
  • Vaginal dicharge or itching
  • Difficulty urinating
  • C diff–associated diarrhea which may lead to colitis

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

  • Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
  • You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
  • Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
  • Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
  • You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
  • Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication?

Information about taking oxytetracycline at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and oxytetracycline. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements. Let your clinician know if you are taking:

  • Penicillin-type antibiotics
  • Retinoids
  • Anticoagulants
  • Vitamin A
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Diuretics
  • Diabetic medicines
  • Antacids
  • Lithium

Why might oxytetracycline not work for acne?

Oxytetracycline may not work for you and common reasons may be due to interactions with other medications such antacids, or certain foods such as dairy products.

Guidelines recommend using topical acne treatments at the same time as oxytetracycline for the best results when treating acne. Topical acne treatments include Epiduo gel, Treclin gel, or Zineryt lotion.

Can oxytetracycline taken for acne be taken long term?

Oxytetracycline is normally prescribed for 12 weeks. Using it for longer periods may result in antibiotic resistance, causing treatment to be less effective.

Is there a herbal oxytetracycline?

No. Herbal oxytetracycline does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use oxytetracycline?

Women can take oxytetracycline for the treatment of acne. It is however not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking oxytetracycline?

Oxytetracycline absorption is adversely affected by dairy products. Take oxytetracycline tablets one hour before, or two hours after a meal.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with acne?

You may modify your lifestyle in a number of ways to have a positive impact on your skin:

  • Reduce stress
  • Get good quality sleep
  • Exercise
  • Good hygiene
  • Eat healthy
  • Apply sunscreen

Alternatives for the treatment of acne

Alternatives for the treatment of acne include Dianette, Duac gel, Epiduo gel, Treclin gel, or Zineryt lotion.

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Medical Disclaimer

NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information in this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.

The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.

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