OXYTETRACYCLINE

The tablets are for oral administration and the normal dose is 250-500mg every six hours (4 times a day). This may be increased in severe infections. For acne the dose is usually 250mg three times a day for four weeks but this may be prolonged if necessary.

The tablets are best taken on an empty stomach (1 hour before food or two hours after). The above regimen is suitable for adults and the elderly. The tablets must not be given to children below the age of 12.

I. g. vomiting or diarrhoea may occur. As with all antibiotics, overgrowth of resistant organisms may cause stomatitis, glossitis, vaginitis or enterocolitis. Candidiasis has also been seen. Occurrences of enamel hypoplasia have been reported and bulging fontanelles in infants and benign intercranial hypertension in adults has also been seen.

Treatment should cease if evidence of raised intercranial pressure develops.

Absorption is adversely affected by milk, antacids and zinc and iron salts. Tetracyclines depress plasma prothrombin activity, therefore reduced dosages of concurrent anticoagulants may be required. Lower doses are indicated in cases of renal impairment to avoid excessive systemic accumulation and if therapy is prolonged serum level determinations are advisable.

Special care should be taken when treating the elderly or patients receiving potentially hepatotoxic drugs. Not to be used with penicillins and discontinue treatment if supra infection develops.

Must not be given to children below 12 years. Hypersensitivity, renal or hepatic impairment, pregnancy, porphyria, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).