Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat more severe cases of acne. Antibacterial medicines are used to treat infections caused by germs (bacteria). To treat acne oxytetracycline is taken in tablet form and is normally used with a cream or lotion that you rub onto your skin.

It is suitable for most people but is not normally recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. In this case an antibiotic known as erythromycin may be prescribed by your doctor.

You will need to take oxytetracycline for several weeks before you begin to see the results from the treatment.

What is oxytetracycline used for?

Oxytetracycline is used to treat a number of conditions including:

• acne
• rosacea
• some chest infections
• mouth infections
• infections caused by some types of bite

What is the difference between tetracycline and oxytetracycline?

Both tetracycline and oxytetracycline are part of the same group of antibiotics. They are used to treat a wide range of infections caused by bacteria. They have been in use since the 1940s but tetracycline is less widely used today as resistance to this type of antibiotic has grown over the years. This means that tetracycline can be less effective at treating some conditions.

Oxytetracycline with Epiduo or Differin

Your doctor will normally advise you to take oxytetracycline alongside another form of treatment. This will be a cream or lotion that you rub on to the affected area of skin. This is called a ‘topical’ treatment. To treat acne, oxytetracycline is normally prescribed alongside medications called Epiduo or Differin.

What is Epiduo?

Epiduo is a gel that is rubbed onto the area of the skin affected by acne. Epiduo contains benzoyl peroxide, which is an antiseptic. It also contains adapalene, which is one of a group of medicines known as ‘retinoids’ that help to reduce the amount of dead skin. It helps to treat acne by reducing the number of bacteria on your skin and reducing their food source.

Your doctor will tell you how to use Epiduo but it is normally applied to your skin once a day before you go to bed. Your skin should be clean and dry before you apply a thin layer of Epiduo. Epiduo is used in the treatment of acne only and should not be used for other conditions.

What is Differin?

Differin is a white, shiny cream that is rubbed onto the skin to treat acne. Differin is a treatment for mild to moderate acne but may be used alongside oxytetracycline to treat severe acne. Like Epiduo, Differin is normally used once a day, before you go to bed, on clean and dry skin. Differin is a type of medicine called a retinoid. Retinoids work by removing dead cells from the surface of your skin. This helps to prevent them building up on your skin and encouraging the growth of bacteria.

Oxytetracycline treats acne by stopping bacteria producing the proteins that they need in order to grow and increase in numbers. In this way the treatment gradually reduces the number of bacteria and helps to stop the spread of infection. The remaining bacteria will then be killed by your own immune system or will simply die off naturally.

How long does oxytetracycline take to clear acne?

Oxytetracycline takes between 4 and 6 months to clear acne. Normally your doctor will prescribe a course of oxytetracycline for at least 3 months, alongside a cream to rub directly onto affected skin. In severe cases of acne you may need to take oxytetracycline for 2 years or longer.

How effective is oxytetracycline?

Oxytetracycline is considered to be an effective treatment for acne in moderate and severe cases. It is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for severe acne, usually being prescribed alongside a cream or gel to rub directly onto the skin.

Oxytetracycline compared to Lymecycline

Oxytetracycline is one of a group of antibiotic medicines called tetracyclines used to treat a range of conditions including acne. Another commonly used antibiotic from this group is lymecycline. Both types of antibiotics are considered effective against acne.

The main difference between the two treatments is the way in which they are absorbed by the body. Lymecycline may be absorbed more effectively with food, whilst oxytetracycline needs to be taken without food.

Each medication has slightly different side effects and your doctor will prescribe the safest medication for you depending on your general health and any other conditions that you are being treated for.

Oxytetracycline tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water but must be taken on an empty stomach. Normally you should take your tablets 1 to 2 hours before or after you eat. Taking oxytetracycline with food, milk or other dairy products can make it hard for your body to absorb it and will make it less effective at treating acne.

It is very important to remember not to drink milk or eat dairy products when you take your oxytetracycline tablets. These are food types that are most likely to reduce your ability to absorb oxytetracycline and make it less effective.

How many tablets?

Your doctor will advise you on the correct number of tablets you will need to take each day. Normally you will take 1 or 2 tablets a day. The dosage for most people with acne is 500mg twice a day.

Oxytetracycline and creams or gels

Oxytetracycline must be used alongside a cream or gel that is rubbed onto your skin in order to achieve the best results when treating acne.

How long can you take oxytetracycline for?

You should take oxytetracycline for as long as your doctor tells you to. Normally a course of oxytetracycline will last for 3 months and it is important to continue to take your tablets every day for this period. For the most severe cases of acne your doctor may prescribe oxytetracycline tablets for a longer period. In the most severe cases this could be for 2 years or more. Always follow medical advice and take the tablets for the period prescribed.

How to use Epiduo

Epiduo gel should be rubbed onto the skin affected by acne once a day before you go to bed.

1. Clean and dry your skin before using Epiduo
2. Use a mild soap and gently pat your skin dry to avoid irritation when washing
3. Thinly apply a covering of the gel to areas affected by acne
4. Wash your hands after applying Epiduo

Epiduo can be applied to the chest, face, or back. Do not apply Epiduo to areas of broken, sensitive, or sunburnt skin. Also avoid getting the gel on your eyelids, mouth, lips or nose. If you do get the gel onto these areas by accident gently wash it off.

Only apply Epiduo once a day. The gel will not work more effectively or any faster if it is applied more times than it is prescribed.

How to use Differin

1. Apply Differin to your skin once a day before you go to bed
2. Clean and dry your skin before using the cream
3. Use a mild soap and gently pat your skin dry
4. Use a thin layer of the cream to cover the area of skin affected by acne
5. Wash your hands after you are done

Do not use Differin on sunburnt, broken, or sensitive skin and avoid your eyelids, mouth, lips, and nose. If you get Differin in any of these areas, wash it off gently with warm water. Differin should only be used as prescribed and only applied to your skin once a day. It will not work any faster or more effectively if you use it more than prescribed.

Like all medicines oxytetracycline may cause side effects in some people. These include the following.

Common side effects

• Feeling sick
• Tummy pain
• Diarrhoea
• Headache

You should speak to your doctor if you experience any of these side effects but it is important to keep taking your tablets in the meantime. Painkillers and drinking plenty of water will help to make these side effects less unpleasant.

Uncommon side effects

• Loss of appetite
• Stomach disorders
• Tooth discolouration
• Increased bruising
• Skin rashes

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience these side effects.

Rare side effects

You should stop taking oxytetracycline and call 111, or go to A&E, if you have:

• an allergic reaction (skin rashes and swelling of your face or tongue)
• fever or chest pain
• blurred, distorted or double vision
• sensitivity to sunlight or artificial light including tingling, redness or burning of the skin

Oxytetracycline and weight gain

Weight gain and a swollen tummy (bloating) can be a side effect experienced when taking antibiotics like oxytetracycline. Taking antibiotics over a longer period of time can cause imbalances to the bacteria that live in our stomachs. It may also affect hormones which control when we feel hungry. If you are concerned that your medication is causing weight gain it is important to speak to your doctor.

Oxytetracycline and depression

Antibiotics have not been closely linked with depression although some studies have suggested that they may be linked to changes in your mood. If you are worried about changes to your mood whilst taking oxytetracycline you should talk to your GP as soon as possible.

Does oxytetracycline make acne worse?

Oxytetracycline is a proven treatment for acne and should be effective for most people. Taking your medication correctly, as prescribed by your doctor, should help to reduce your acne over a period of several months.

If you miss doses of oxytetracycline or take your medication with food, especially diary products, you may not see the benefits of the medicine. It is also important to use any other medication prescribed with oxytetracycline. This will normally be a cream or gel such as Epiduo or Differin. It is important to use these as your doctor tells you.

Oxytetracycline is safe and effective for most people. However, there are some groups who may not be able to take oxytetracycline and some lifestyle choices can affect how well your medication works.

Groups that may not be able to take oxytetracycline are:

• pregnant or breastfeeding women
• children under the age of 12
• people with kidney problems
• people with liver problems
• people with known allergic reactions to tetracyclines

Elderly people may also need to be more closely monitored when prescribed oxytetracycline but it is normally considered safe and effective for people in this group.

Drug interactions with oxytetracycline

Like all medications oxytetracycline can interact with other medications. It is important that your doctor is aware of any other medications that you are taking. Discuss any prescription or non-prescription (over the counter) medications that you regularly have with your doctor before taking oxytetracycline.

Can you drink alcohol when taking oxytetracycline?

It is not a good idea to drink alcohol whilst taking antibiotics as it can make side effects like upset stomach or headache worse. Excessive drinking whilst taking oxytetracycline could also cause damage to your liver (hepatotoxicity).

Can you take oxytetracycline when you are pregnant?

No. Oxytetracycline is not considered safe for women who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding. Oxytetracycline can be dangerous to an unborn baby and can also be passed to an infant through breast milk. Your doctor will be able to prescribe alternative treatments that are safe for you to use.

Does oxytetracycline affect the contraceptive pill?

Diarrhoea can be a side effect of oxytetracycline and this can stop your body from absorbing either the combined pill or the progestogen-only pill. Otherwise, oxytetracycline should not affect the contraceptive pill.