$Unique_ID{BRK02061}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{OXYTETRACYCLINE}
$Subject{E.P. Mycin (Edwards)
oxytetracycline hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
Terramycin (Pfizer)
Uri-Tet (American Urologicals)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


OXYTETRACYCLINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     E.P. Mycin (Edwards)
     oxytetracycline hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
     Terramycin (Pfizer)
     Uri-Tet (American Urologicals)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Tetracycline antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     oxytetracycline
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (250 mg)
     Capsules (250 mg)
STORAGE:
     Oxytetracycline should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Oxytetracycline is used to treat acne and a wide variety of bacterial
infections.  It acts by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.  Bacteria may be
partly responsible for the development of acne lesions.  Oxytetracycline kills
susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses or fungi.

TREATMENT

     Ideally, this medication should be taken on an empty stomach one hour
before or two hours after a meal.  It should be taken with a full glass of
water in order to avoid irritation of the throat or esophagus (tube leading to
the stomach).  If this drug causes stomach upset, however, you can take it
with food or water (unless your doctor directs otherwise).
     Avoid consuming any dairy products, including milk and cheese, within two
hours of any dose of this drug.  Avoid taking antacids or laxatives containing
aluminum, calcium, or magnesium within an hour or two of a dose.  Avoid taking
any medication containing iron within three hours of a dose.  These products
chemically bind oxytetracycline and prevent the drug from being absorbed into
the body.  Oxytetracycline works best when the level of medicine in your
bloodstream is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at
evenly spaced intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take four
doses a day, the doses should be spaced six hours apart.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately.
However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost
time for your next dose, take it; space the following dose about halfway
through the regular interval between doses; then return to your regular dosing
schedule.  Try not to skip any doses.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of
that period.  If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are
given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps and upset,
vomiting, or discoloration of the nails.  These side effects should disappear
as your body adjusts to the medication.
     Oxytetracycline can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should,
therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear protective
clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, joint pain, mouth irritation, rash,
rectal or vaginal itching, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or
bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.  Also, if your symptoms of
infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Oxytetracycline interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can increase the absorption of digoxin, which may lead to digoxin
toxicity.
     2. The gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, stomach upset) of
theophylline may be increased by oxytetracycline.
     3. The dosage of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin)
may need to be adjusted when this medication is started.
     4. Oxytetracycline may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
(birth control pills), and pregnancy could result.  You should, therefore, use
another form of birth control while taking oxytetracycline.  Consult your
doctor.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to oxytetracycline or to tetracycline,
doxycycline, or minocycline.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney or
liver disease.
     * Oxytetracycline can affect tests for syphilis; tell your doctor you are
taking this medication if you are also being treated for this disease.
     * Make sure that your prescription for oxytetracycline is marked with the
expiration date.  The drug should be discarded after the expiration date.  If
the medication is used after it has expired, serious side effects (especially
to the kidneys) could result.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  Therefore, you should not give your medicine to other
people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs
you to do so.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Oxytetracycline crosses the placenta and passes
into breast milk.  This medication can cause permanent discoloration of the
teeth and can inhibit tooth and bone growth if used during their development.
In addition, oxytetracycline should not be used for infants or for children
less than eight years of age because of the potential risks involved.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
