Oxytetracycline
Pronunciation: (ok-see-teh-truh-SYE-kleen).
- Generic name
- Oxytetracycline
- Brand names
- Terramycin (brand discontinued in the United States; generic oxytetracycline may remain available), Terak, Urobiotic-250
- Drug class
- Antibiotic (Tetracycline class)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Oxytetracycline is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Oxytetracycline works
Oxytetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. This action is bacteriostatic, meaning it stops bacterial growth rather than directly killing bacteria. (1)
What Oxytetracycline is used for
Bacterial infections (various)
Bacterial infections (various) (2)
Acne vulgaris
Acne vulgaris (2)
Chlamydia infections
Chlamydia infections (2)
Rickettsial infections
Rickettsial infections (2)
Mycoplasma infections
Mycoplasma infections (2)
Before taking Oxytetracycline
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to tetracyclines, pregnant women (especially after the first trimester), breastfeeding mothers, and children under 8 years. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Oxytetracycline
- General Instructions: Take oxytetracycline exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is usually taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water. Do not take with dairy products, antacids, or iron supplements.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult dose is 250–500 mg every 6 hours, depending on the infection and severity. Duration varies by indication.. Pediatric Dosing: Not recommended for children under 8 years. For older children, dosing is weight-based (usually 6.25–12.5 mg/kg every 6 hours).. Administration: Swallow tablets or capsules whole with plenty of water. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation.. When To Stop: Complete the full prescribed course, even if symptoms improve. Do not stop early unless instructed by your doctor.. Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Photosensitivity
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Tooth discoloration (in children)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Esophageal irritation
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — serious
Symptoms: Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. May cause permanent tooth discoloration in children under 8 years. Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment. May reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Can cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to tetracyclines, pregnant women (especially after the first trimester), breastfeeding mothers, and children under 8 years. Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, and in those with myasthenia gravis.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Oxytetracycline can interact with antacids, calcium, magnesium, iron supplements, and some oral contraceptives, reducing its absorption and effectiveness. It may also interact with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), increasing bleeding risk. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Oxytetracycline is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second half, because tetracyclines can affect fetal bone development and cause permanent tooth discoloration in the child. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant during treatment, seek medical advice promptly so an alternative antibiotic can be considered. (2)
Breastfeeding
Oxytetracycline is not recommended while breastfeeding. Tetracyclines pass into breast milk, and although calcium in milk may reduce infant absorption somewhat, the general guidance is to avoid use or discuss alternative antibiotics with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding. (2)
Children
Not recommended for children under 8 years due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration and effects on bone development. For children 8 years and older, dosing is weight-based: 6.25-12.5 mg/kg every 6 hours (equivalent to about 25-50 mg/kg/day divided into 4 doses), not generally exceeding 2 g per day. Age Restrictions: Not recommended under 8 years. (2)
Renal_impairment
The FDA label warns that even usual doses of oxytetracycline can build up to excessive levels in people with significantly reduced kidney function, which can in turn cause liver toxicity — high-dose intravenous tetracyclines given to people with kidney problems, especially during pregnancy, have been linked to fatal liver failure. Because of this, the dose is reduced and/or given less often in people with kidney impairment, and blood level monitoring may be used if treatment continues for a while. Tell the prescribing clinician about any kidney or liver disease before starting oxytetracycline. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
The FDA label warns that even usual doses of oxytetracycline can build up to excessive levels in people with significantly reduced kidney function, which can in turn cause liver toxicity — high-dose intravenous tetracyclines given to people with kidney problems, especially during pregnancy, have been linked to fatal liver failure. Because of this, the dose is reduced and/or given less often in people with kidney impairment, and blood level monitoring may be used if treatment continues for a while. Tell the prescribing clinician about any kidney or liver disease before starting oxytetracycline. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
Study the drug class: Tetracyclines
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Bacterial infections (various)
Dose summary: 250 mg to 500 mg every 6 hours
Renal context: The FDA label warns that the antianabolic action of tetracyclines can raise BUN, and in patients with significantly impaired renal function even usual oral or parenteral doses can lead to excessive systemic accumulation of the drug and possible hepatotoxicity — with intravenous tetracycline-class doses exceeding 2 g/day in the presence of renal dysfunction, particularly during pregnancy, having been associated with fatal liver failure. In renal impairment, total dosage should be reduced by lowering individual doses and/or extending the interval between doses; if therapy is prolonged, serum drug-level monitoring may be advisable. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What infections does oxytetracycline treat?
Oxytetracycline is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, acne, urinary tract infections, certain sexually transmitted infections, and some skin and eye infections.
Can I take oxytetracycline with food?
It is best taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals, with a full glass of water. Food, especially dairy products, can reduce its absorption.
Is oxytetracycline safe during pregnancy?
No, oxytetracycline is not recommended during pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, due to risks to the developing baby, including tooth discoloration and bone growth inhibition.
What should I do if I develop severe diarrhea while taking oxytetracycline?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately. Severe or persistent diarrhea may indicate a serious intestinal condition (Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea).
Can oxytetracycline cause sun sensitivity?
Yes, oxytetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
How long should I take oxytetracycline?
Take it for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better before finishing the course. Stopping early may lead to a return of the infection.
Can I drink alcohol while taking oxytetracycline?
Moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to interact directly with oxytetracycline, but alcohol can impair your immune system and may worsen side effects. It's best to limit alcohol while taking antibiotics.
What happens if I take too much Oxytetracycline?
Taking too much Oxytetracycline can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, liver or kidney damage may occur. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or self-treat.
What is the mechanism of action of Oxytetracycline?
Oxytetracycline inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex. This action is bacteriostatic, meaning it stops bacterial growth rather than directly killing bacteria. (1)
What is the generic name of Oxytetracycline?
The generic name is Oxytetracycline. It is sold under brand names including Terramycin (brand discontinued in the United States; generic oxytetracycline may remain available), Terak, Urobiotic-250.
What class of drug is Oxytetracycline?
Oxytetracycline is classed as: Antibiotic (Tetracycline class).
References
- Oxytetracycline — MedGuideGlobal Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal Clinical Content Team · Global (internal) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- TERRAMYCIN (oxytetracycline) — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2021 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- OXYTETRACYCLINE POWDER [HEBEI SHENGXUE DACHENG PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Oxytetracycline — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 4780)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Oxytetracycline names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.