Oxytetracycline tablets

Oxytetracycline is a well-established oral antibiotic used in the treatment of moderate inflammatory skin conditions. It is commonly prescribed as part of our wider range of acne treatments, particularly when topical therapies alone have not been effective. In my clinical experience, many patients respond well to oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline or alternatives like Lymecycline, especially where inflammation is driving ongoing breakouts rather than isolated spots.

For patients with inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, Oxytetracycline can help to reduce both bacterial activity and inflammation within the skin. We find that, for some patients, oral antibiotics provide more consistent control than topical treatments alone. Patients should not feel they need to settle for moderate improvements.

Medically, our aim is to prevent new acne or rosacea lesions from forming, rather than simply reducing their severity.

If you miss a dose, then this should be taken as soon as you remember. If this is close to when the next dose would be due, do not take a double dose. Instead continue as normal from when the next dose would be due.

If more oxytetracycline than prescribed is taken, or if an overdose is suspected, medical advice should be sought straight away. Contact your doctor, pharmacist, NHS 111, or attend A&E if you feel unwell or have concerns.

Oxytetracycline can take a different length of time to work for each patient. The majority of patients will see a marked improvement in their skin within two months of taking the antibiotic. The usual course for oxytetracycline is at least three months (total length of treatment will be determined by the prescriber). If no improvement has been seen after three months, then treatment should be discontinued and an alternative option should be considered.

Tetracyclines are designed to be taken by adults and children over the age of 12. They should never be given to anyone under the age of 12.

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You should not take Oxytetracycline if -

• You have a known sensitivity to the tetracycline group of drugs or allergic to any of the other ingredients contained in the tablets. The tablet colouring includes tartrazine (E102), which can cause allergic-type reactions including asthma. Allergy is more common in those people who are allergic to aspirin. An allergic reaction may be recognised as a rash, itching, swollen face or lips, or shortness of breath.
• You have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars. These tablets contain lactose and sucrose.
• You are suffering from a severe liver or kidney complaint or porphyria.
• You are pregnant or breast-feeding (unless instructed to do so by your doctor).
• You are suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (an immunological disorder affecting connective tissue and vessels of the skin, nervous system, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints and other organs).

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Take special care with Oxytetracycline tablets and tell your doctor if: -

• You suffer from myasthenia gravis, a condition characterised by muscle weakness, difficulty chewing and swallowing and slurred speech
• Have reduced kidney or liver function.

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If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking oxytetracycline as this could cause harm to the baby.

For further information and contraindications please see the patient information leaflet.

The majority of patients take oxytetracycline without any problems. However, like all medication, oxytetracycline has the potential to cause side effects.

Tell your doctor if the following side effects occur: -

• gastric upsets, such as nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea and difficulty in swallowing and irritation of the oesophagus (gullet)
• pseudomembranous colitis (watery diarrhoea, fever and cramps)
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis, causing pain in the abdomen or back, feeling sick and fever)
• If you notice increased bruising, nosebleeds, sore throats, infections, excessive tiredness, breathlessness on exertion or abnormal paleness of the skin, you should tell your doctor who may want you to have a blood test
• an overgrowth of resistant organisms which may cause infection/inflammation of the mouth, tongue, intestines and vagina,
• skin rashes, which involve changes to the colour and texture of the skin

Stop taking the tablets immediately and seek urgent medical advice if the following occur: -

• symptoms of an allergic reaction: skin rashes which may be itchy, swelling of the face and tongue. Fever and chest pain (symptoms of inflammation of the membrane around the heart) or breathing difficulties and collapse (anaphylaxis)
• symptoms of raised pressure in the skull: headache, visual problems including blurred vision, "blind" spots, double vision
• sensitivity to sunlight or artificial light such as sunbed (symptoms such as tingling, burning or redness of the skin)

For further information and a full list of possible side effects please see the patient information leaflet

At PrivateDoc, antibiotics are prescribed with long-term health in mind. While they are an essential and sometimes life-saving treatment, inappropriate or prolonged use can increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance, where infections become harder to treat over time.

Our clinicians prescribe antibiotics only when there is a clear clinical benefit, using the lowest effective dose for defined periods, and supporting treatment with non-antibiotic options where appropriate. This approach helps protect patients now, while preserving antibiotic effectiveness for the future.

For more on how we use antibiotics responsibly and how you can help reduce antimicrobial resistance, read our antibiotic stewardship guide.