OXYMYCIN OXYTETRACYCLINE

Tablets should be swallowed whole with water one hour before or two hours after a meal. Adults and children of 12 years and above: 250 mg every six hours. Dosage may be increased in severe infections to 250 mg every three hours after an initial loading dose of 1 g.

Children:

Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

Elderly:

May be given at the usual adult dosage. The possibility of sub-clinical renal insufficiency should be kept in mind, as it may lead to drug accumulation. Therapy should be continued for at least 24-48 hours after symptoms and fever have subsided.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and on rare occasions dysphagia have been reported. Skin reactions have occasionally occurred. The most common reaction is photosensitivity. Erythematous, and macro-papular rashes, pruritis, bullois dermatoses and exfoliative dermatitis have also been reported.

A few cases of pancreatitis and antibiotic-associated colitis have been reported. Oesophagitis and oesophageal ulceration have been reported, usually when taken before bed or with inadequate fluids. Hypersensitivity reactions include rash, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria, angioedema anaphylaxis pericarditis and exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Teeth discolouration has occurred, but it is usually only obvious after repeated doses. Bulging fontanelles and benign intracranial hypertension in juveniles and adults have been reported indicated by headache and visual disturbances including blurring of vision, scotomata and diplopia.

Permanent visual loss has been reported. Overgrowth of resistant organisms may cause candidiasis, pseudomembranous colitis (Clostridium difficile overgrowth), glossitis, stomatitis, vaginitis and staphylococcal entero-colitis. On rare occasions transient increase in liver function tests, hepatitis, jaundice and hepatic failure have been reported.

Blood dyscrasias have also occurred.

Medicines and foods containing di-/tri-valent cations interfere with the absorption of oxytetracycline and doses should be maximally separated. If however, gastric irritation occurs the medicine should be taken with food. OXYMYCIN should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal dysfunction, or in conjunction with other potentially hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic drugs.

OXYMYCIN should not be administered to children during the period of tooth development because of the likelihood of staining of teeth and deposition in the epiphysis. Intestinal overgrowth of non-susceptible or resistant organisms (candida albicans in particular) may occur.

Photosensitivity reactions can sometimes occur. Susceptible patients should avoid direct exposure to natural or artificial sunlight and discontinue therapy at the first sign of skin discomfort. Weak neuromuscular blockade may occur in patients suffering from Myasthenia Gravis Exacerbation of SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus) may occur.

OXYMYCIN is unsafe in acute porphyrias.

Known hypersensitivity to tetracyclines. Renal impairment. Children under 12 years of age. Use during pregnancy or lactation.