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- $Unique_ID{BRK03266}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{oxytetracycline}
- $Subject{E.P. Mycin Edwards hydrochloride Terramycin Pfizer Uri-Tet American
- Urologicals Tetracycline antibiotic oxytetracycline acne bacterial infections
- inhibiting growth bacteria lesions}
- $Volume{}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.
-
-
- oxytetracycline
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- 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
- 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 of this medication.
- 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.
-
- ----------------
-
- 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.
-