Oxytetracycline hydrochloride

Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections.

History

Oxytetracycline was first discovered in the 1950s by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. It was one of the first broad-spectrum antibiotics to be developed and has since been used extensively in both human and veterinary medicine.

Mechanism of Action

Oxytetracycline works by inhibiting protein synthesis in bacteria, preventing them from growing and multiplying. It does this by binding to the ribosomes in the bacterial cells, which are the sites of protein synthesis.

Uses

Oxytetracycline is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, including:

• Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis
• Skin infections such as acne and rosacea
• Urinary tract infections
• Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia

It is also used in veterinary medicine to treat infections in animals.

Side Effects

Like all antibiotics, oxytetracycline can cause side effects. These may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight)
• Yeast infections

Precautions

Oxytetracycline should not be used in children under the age of 8, as it can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth. It should also be used with caution in people with liver disease or kidney disease, as it can cause further damage to these organs.

See Also

• Tetracycline antibiotics
• Antibiotics
• Bacterial infections