Oxytetracycline

What is Oxytetracycline?

Oxytetracycline is a general, broad use antibiotic that’s used to treat a few different infections. You’ll often see it prescribed for common skin infections like acne, as well as rosacea.

Acne is a skin condition that can sometimes be caused by hormonal changes or a large amount of bacteria clogging up your pores. Rosacea is more of a long-term skin condition that goes through periods of remission and flare. If you have rosacea, you’ll get periods where the skin on your face, particularly on your cheeks, becomes red and flushed. It’s not known what causes it.

Oxytetracycline is used to treat acne caused by bacteria and works by killing off bacterial cells, by stopping them from making self-sustaining proteins. It comes as a tablet and will normally be taken twice a day for at least three months.

We don’t know a lot about rosacea, but studies have shown that tetracycline antibiotics like Oxytetracycline are effective at treating it.^[1]

How does Oxytetracycline work?

Acne is often caused by a combination of hormone changes (which can cause excess oil) and bacteria.

Your skin’s pores produce a natural oil called sebum. When you produce too much of it, though, it can clog these pores – creating the perfect environment for a type of bacteria called C. acnes to multiply. This causes inflammation and spots.^[2]

Oxytetracycline works by stopping this bacteria from producing the proteins it needs to survive and replicate. By reducing the bacteria, the inflammation goes down, and your skin has a chance to heal. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce the redness associated with rosacea.

What doses of Oxytetracycline are there?

Oxytetracycline 250mg is the only dose available. You’ll likely be prescribed two tablets (500mg) twice a day – morning and evening.

There are other antibiotics that might work better if Oxytetracycline doesn’t help with your acne. So if your symptoms don’t get better when you’re taking it, let your prescriber know.

How to take Oxytetracycline

Your medication should be taken as recommended by your prescriber. Make sure you read the product information leaflet before you use it.

• For acne and rosacea, the usual dose is 500mg (two tablets) twice a day.
• Oxytetracycline needs an empty stomach to work. Take it one hour before or two hours after food.
• Don’t drink milk or eat dairy products (yoghurt, cheese) at the same time as your pill. The calcium stops the antibiotic from being absorbed.
• Don’t take your tablets immediately before going to sleep. Sit or stand upright when swallowing to stop it from irritating your throat.
• Because Oxytetracycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, you should wear sunscreen and avoid sunbeds while you’re taking it.

How long does it take Oxytetracycline to work?

Oxytetracycline is absorbed and starts working in your body quickly. But with most antibiotics that are taken to treat acne and rosacea, like Oxytetracycline, it can take several weeks before you notice the benefits to your skin ^[1]. If you don’t see any improvements in your condition after three months then our clinician might suggest trying something else.

What should I do if I make a mistake when using Oxytetracycline?

You should always take your treatment as advised by your prescriber. But, if you do miss a treatment, just make sure you don’t double dose. Take your tablet at the next opportunity and be careful not to exceed your daily dose. Setting alarms or using a reminder app can help you remember to take Oxytetracycline.

One of the most important things to remember taking antibiotics is that your entire course should be taken. Even if your symptoms clear up midway through you should continue with the rest of your medication