Oxytetracycline

Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic which is used to treat bacterial infections.

It can be prescribed to help control and improve acne, but can also be prescribed to treat:

• chlamydia
• respiratory tract infections (such as pneumonia)
• rosacea
• infections caused by rickettsia bacteria (such as typhus)

Acne is a common condition that causes inflammation, and red spots or pimples on the skin. It is commonly seen in teenagers due to hormonal changes that take place during puberty, but it can also affect adults.

Spots form when an oily substance (called sebum) blocks the hair follicles on the skin.

If bacteria come into contact with your skin, they can worsen the condition of your acne by inflaming the spots or by causing an infection.

Oxytetracycline stops acne-causing bacteria from reproducing so that the infection cannot spread.

This makes it easier for your body’s immune system to heal and treat your acne.

Is it effective?

In a study taken on people with acne, Oxytetracycline was found to be a very effective treatment.

After taking 2 doses daily for 12 weeks, users averaged a 70% decrease in their acne.

Before taking any treatment you should always read the patient information leaflet (found to the right of this page). You should also take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.

However, the general guidelines for taking Oxytetracycline are as follows:

• Take two tablets daily until you have completed the course of antibiotics.
• Take the tablets with water on an empty stomach (either before eating or several hours after a meal).
• Avoid taking the tablets with food (or liquids containing calcium such as milk) as this can stop the treatment from working effectively.
• Also avoid taking iron or calcium supplements, multivitamins, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking the treatment.
• Do not take the tablets immediately before bed.

As with any medication, there is a chance of experiencing side effects. Usually, these are mild and will only last while you are taking treatment.

Some common side effects include:

• swelling of the skin
• diarrhoea
• headache
• nausea
• skin reactions
• vomiting

If you have an allergic reaction to Oxytetracycline, stop taking treatment and seek medical help immediately. An allergic reaction could show up as:

• itching
• a rash
• swelling of the throat or tongue
• breathing difficulties

You may not be suitable for this treatment if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are allergic to Oxytetracycline or any other ingredients in the treatment
• have kidney or liver problems
• already taking antibiotics

This treatment is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Please note: It is always best to avoid drinking alcohol on antibiotics. Consult your doctor if you have any questions before starting treatment.

Is it safe to take with other medicines?

The following medications should not be taken with Oxytetracycline:

• penicillins (such as amoxicillin)
• vitamin A
• retinoids
• anticoagulants (anti-blood clotting)
• diuretics
• diabetes treatment (such as insulin)

Always remember to tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking, whether they are over-the-counter or recreational.

There are a wide range of acne treatments available to treat the different types of acne.

If you have already found that over-the-counter acne treatments don’t work for you, you can ask your doctor about trying a stronger prescription medication.

Below is a table comparing Oxytetracycline with 3 other prescription drugs for acne:

	Oxytetracycline	Differin	Duac	Dianette
Active ingredient	Oxytetracycline dihydrate	Adapalene	Benzoyl peroxide	Progesterone/ Oestrogen
Form
Dose	2 tablets a day	Once daily	Once daily	1 pill per day
How long does it take to work?	10 weeks, up to 6 months	4-12 weeks	6-8 weeks	2-3 months, up to one year
Who is it suitable for?
Type of drug	Antibiotic	Retinoid	Antibiotic	Hormonal
For more information		Click here	Click here	Click here

Topical creams

Differin and Duac are both topical creams used to treat acne. They should be applied directly to your skin once a day in order to reduce redness and inflammation.

One benefit of topical treatments is that, unlike oral antibiotics, there is no risk of harming the natural balance of bacteria in your gut.

The contraceptive pill

Dianette is a form of contraceptive pill that can combat acne in women. It is often prescribed to women whose acne is linked with a condition called PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

If your acne is caused by oily skin and excess sebum, hormonal contraception can reduce how much sebum you produce, reducing your acne. In general, it takes around 2-3 months to notice improvements.

Please note: Going on the pill has potential side effects and health risks. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting this form of acne treatment.

You can buy Oxytetracycline to treat acne here at euroClinix. Simply fill out the online form to complete your consultation, and it will shortly be assessed by one of our UK doctors.

If you are approved for the treatment, it will be sent straight to your door with free next-day delivery.