Introduction

Name

• Oxytetracycline.

Class of drug

• Tetracycline antibacterial.

Description

Chemical name

• [4S-(4-alpha,4a-alpha,5-alpha,5a-alpha,6-beta,12a-alpha)]-4-(dimethylamino)-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-3,5,6,10,12,12a-hexahydroxy-6-methyl-1,11-dioxo-2-naphthacenecarboxamide.

Molecular formula

• C22H24N2O9.

Physical properties

• Aqueous solution.
• Tablets.

Storage requirements

• <25°C.
• Protect from light.

Uses

Indications

• Oxytetracycline-sensitive infections.
• Theileriosis Theileriosis.
• Broad spectrum activity, including:
  • Range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Rickettsial organisms, Chlamydophila Chlamydophila spp and Mycoplasma. Mycoplasmal mastitis
• Mycobacterium spp Mycobacterium spp, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pseudomonas aeruginosa and some Mycoplasma spp tend to be resistant.
• Limited activity against Staphylococci Staphylococci and the Enterobacteriaceae.

Administration

Pharmacokinetics

Precautions

Interactions

With other drugs

• Antacids and kaolin mixtures reduce oral bioavailability of oxytetracycline.
• Enhanced anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
• Reduced activity of concurrently administered bactericidal antimicrobials such as the beta-lactams.

Withdrawal Period

Adverse Reactions

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed Papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.

Other sources of information

• Bishop Y (2005) Ed The Veterinary Formulary. 6th edn. Pharmaceutical Press. ISBN: 0-85369-579-2.

Organisation(s)

• National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines. Website: www.noahcompendium.co.uk.
• Veterinary Medicines Directorate (NOAH) Product Information Database. Website: www.vmd.defra.gov.uk.
• Plumb's Veterinary Drugs Online Veterinary Drug Resource. Website: www.plumbsveterinarydrugs.com.