Oxytetracycline 250mg Tablets

Oxytetracycline Tablets for Bacterial Infections & Acne Treatment

What is Oxytetracycline Used For?

Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of primarily used to treat a wide range of bacterial skin conditions, including:

• Acne – Both inflammatory acne (red, painful spots) and moderate to severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments
• Rosacea – A skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes spots on the face
• Skin infections – Various bacterial skin infections where the bacteria are sensitive to oxytetracycline

Beyond skin conditions, oxytetracycline can also treat other bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory tract infections like bronchitis and pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections
• Certain sexually transmitted infections
• Eye infections
• Nose, throat and ear infections

Your doctor or pharmacist will determine whether oxytetracycline is the right antibiotic for your specific infection based on the type of bacteria causing it.

How Does Oxytetracycline Work?

Oxytetracycline works by interfering with the bacteria’s ability to produce proteins they need to survive and multiply. Without these essential proteins, the bacteria can’t grow or spread, and your immune system can then clear the infection more effectively.

For acne specifically, oxytetracycline targets the bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes (previously known as Propionibacterium acnes) that live in hair follicles and contribute to inflammation and spot formation. By reducing these bacteria, oxytetracycline helps calm inflammation in the sebaceous glands and clear existing spots while preventing new ones from forming.

The antibiotic also has anti-inflammatory properties beyond just killing bacteria, which is particularly helpful for conditions like acne and rosacea, where inflammation causes symptoms.

Because oxytetracycline is bacteriostatic (it stops bacteria from multiplying rather than killing them directly), you need to take it consistently for the full course of treatment to give your immune system time to clear the infection completely.

Oxytetracycline Dosage

The typical dose of oxytetracycline 250mg tablets for adults is:

• For acne​ and rosacea: Take one 250mg tablet twice daily. Treatment usually continues for at least 6-12 weeks, though some people may need longer courses depending on how well their skin responds.
• For other bacterial infections: The dose may vary depending on the type and severity of infection. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on the appropriate dose and duration.

Never take more than the prescribed dose, and don’t stop taking oxytetracycline early, even if you start feeling better. Stopping antibiotics too soon can allow bacteria to return and may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance.

Who Can Use Oxytetracycline Tablets?

Oxytetracycline 250mg tablets are suitable for adults and children over 12 years old who have bacterial infections that respond to this antibiotic.

However, oxytetracycline is not suitable for everyone. You should not take oxytetracycline tablets if you:

• Are allergic to oxytetracycline or other tetracycline antibiotics
• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Are under 12 years old
• Have severe liver or kidney problems
• Have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness)

You should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking oxytetracycline if you:

• Have ever had liver or kidney problems
• Are taking any other medications, particularly antacids, iron supplements, or blood thinners
• Have difficulty swallowing tablets
• Are planning to spend time in strong sunlight or use sunbeds

It’s particularly important to avoid oxytetracycline during pregnancy and in children under 12, as tetracycline antibiotics can affect developing teeth and bones, causing permanent discolouration and potentially affecting growth.

How to Take Oxytetracycline Tablets

Taking oxytetracycline correctly is important for it to work effectively. Follow these guidelines:

1. Take the tablet on an empty stomach – Oxytetracycline is best absorbed when taken at least one hour before food or two hours after eating. Food, especially dairy products, can significantly reduce how much of the antibiotic your body absorbs.
2. Swallow whole with plenty of water – Take each tablet with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright. This helps prevent the tablet from irritating your throat or oesophagus.
3. Space doses evenly – If you’re taking two tablets a day, try to space them about 12 hours apart (for example, 8am and 8pm). This maintains steady levels of the antibiotic in your body.
4. Stay upright after taking – Remain sitting or standing for at least 30 minutes after taking your tablet to prevent irritation to your oesophagus.
5. Avoid certain products – Don’t take oxytetracycline at the same time as:
   • Dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
   • Indigestion remedies or antacids
   • Iron supplements
   • Zinc supplements
   • Calcium supplements

If you need to take any of these, leave at least 2-3 hours between taking them and your oxytetracycline dose.

Side Effects of Oxytetracycline 250mg Tablets

Like all medications, oxytetracycline can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Common Side Effects

These affect more than 1 in 100 people:

• Nausea or feeling sick
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach upset or discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Visual disturbances (blurred vision or difficulty focusing)

Uncommon Side Effects

These affect fewer than 1 in 100 people:

• Vomiting
• Sore or inflamed tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Skin rash or itching
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (making you sunburn more easily)

Serious Side Effects

These are rare but need immediate medical attention. Stop taking oxytetracycline and contact your doctor or call 111 if you experience:

• Severe or persistent headaches, particularly with vision problems, nausea, or vomiting (may indicate increased pressure in the skull)
• Severe diarrhoea that lasts more than 4 days or contains blood or mucus
• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe stomach pain
• Dark or bloody stools
• Inflammation of the bowel (symptoms include severe diarrhoea, often with blood or mucus, stomach pain, and fever)

If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any side effects not listed here. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme. Reporting side effects helps provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Oxytetracycline Long-Term Use Side Effects

When you’re taking oxytetracycline for extended periods of time (like for acne treatment), you increase your risk of:

• Developing thrush (fungal infections in the mouth or vagina)
• Changes in gut bacteria, which can cause digestive issues
• Increased sun sensitivity
• Rare cases of tooth discolouration if taken during tooth development

Your doctor will monitor you regularly if you’re on long-term treatment to watch for any of these effects.

Oxytetracycline Ingredients

Active ingredient: Oxytetracycline dihydrate (250mg).
Other ingredients: Talc, maize starch, sodium lauryl sulphate, magnesium stearate, kaolin heavy, shellac, sucrose, dextrin, gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), sodium benzoate (E211), quinoline yellow (E104), sunset yellow FCF (E110), and indigo carmine (E132).

Oxytetracycline Warnings

• Oxytetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and UV light. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sun lamps while taking this medication. Use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
• Oxytetracycline may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. Use additional contraception (such as condoms) while taking oxytetracycline and for 7 days after finishing the course.
• If you’re taking warfarin or other anticoagulants, oxytetracycline may increase their effect. Your doctor may need to monitor your blood clotting more closely.
• Store oxytetracycline tablets in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging.