Oxytetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic medicine used for the treatment of various bacterial infections, including skin conditions such as acne. As is the case with all antibiotics, you can buy Oxytetracycline in the UK only with a valid prescription for a certified medical expert. This medicine is especially adept at quickly clearing up infected acne while at the same time tackling other bacterial infections if they are present – and all that with just one tablet per day.
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Acne: An overview of the medical condition
Acne is a relatively common condition characterised by the appearance of spots on the skin of various sizes and concentration. So-called blackheads and whiteheads tend to be smaller in size and not as prevalent. In a majority of cases, this type of acne isn’t treated. On the other hand, larger spots or pustules are much more noticeable and usually appear in greater numbers. While they can appear pretty much anywhere on the skin, they are the most likely to develop on the face, back, shoulders and chest. The most severe forms tend to take the form of cysts which are very large and painful, leaving scars behind.
The milder forms of acne are very common condition as most people will get affected with some form at least once in their lives. This condition is most common in the age group between 14 and 18 since the first flare-up tends to occur somewhere during puberty. In most cases it will diminish in severity as the time goes by before eventually completely disappearing. But, some cases of teenage acne may continue well into adulthood, manifesting in succession of flare-ups and remissions when treatment might be necessary.
Acne treatment
As of now, there is no real cure for acne, meaning that the condition can be limited and controlled, but not 100% treated. For milder cases, a cleansing routine introduced two times per day can be beneficial, while more severe symptoms are usually managed with the use of prescription antibiotics and various topical treatments. While a majority of acne treatments can be classified either as hormonal therapies or topical treatments in the form of creams and gels, Oxytetracycline stands out among the competition because it is a tablet medicine that doesn’t have any hormonal properties whatsoever.
All different types of acne have more or less the same root cause – they appear once sebaceous glands start producing excess sebum which then mixes with the dead skin cells, blocking the follicles and causing acne to form. Usually harmless bacteria that live on the surface of the skin will then get the opportunity to penetrate the skin, leading to infections and cysts.
How does Oxytetracycline helps with acne?
Oxytetracycline works by limiting the growth and spread of the bacteria infecting the skin by inhibiting one of their vital bacterial functions – ability to synthesise a self-sustaining protein that plays a crucial role in bacteria replication and subsequently, in maintenance of the bacterial presence within the organism. Once treatment of this kind is administered, the bacteria will be significantly weakened, thus becoming an easy target for body’s natural defences. As the immune system neutralises the infection, the symptoms will also diminish, eventually disappearing. As a result, spots will disappear and the skin affected by acne will properly heal.
How is Oxytetracycline used?
Developed by Alliance Pharmaceuticals pharmaceutical company, Oxytetracycline is a generic broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be successfully used in the treatment of a number of bacterial infections, including skin conditions such as acne. In order to ensure the desired results and limit the risk of unwanted side effects, it is imperative to precisely follow the instructions and guidelines presented by your prescriber. Reading the official patient information leaflet prior to commencing treatment with Oxytetracycline is highly recommended.
Some of the most general guidelines regarding the use of Oxytetracycline include:
- Take the medicine as directed
- For acne treatment, the commonly prescribed dose is one to two 250mg tablets daily, over the period of three months
- The total dose might be split in two doses, depending on the recommendations by your doctor
- Take the tablets whole with a glass of water
- Take the medicine either an hour before eating or two hours after eating
- Never exceed the prescribed amount
- If you miss a dose, do not double up on the next one – instead, just take it when you do remember and continue with the course as before
- If your symptoms are not improving by the end of the course, visit your doctor
What are Oxytetracycline side effects?
As is the case with all prescription medicines, certain side effects have been documented in people using Oxytetracycline. Most of them are relatively typical for all antibiotic drugs, and the same goes for the possibility of an allergic reaction that usually manifests through symptoms such as skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face or tongue, fever or chest pain, migraines, visual problems and increased sensitivity to sunlight. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact the emergency services immediately.
Other symptoms that might manifest include:
- Diarrhoea
- General malaise
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Discolouration of tooth enamel
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Sore throat
- Excessive tiredness
- Breathlessness during physical activity
- Paleness of the skin (or other colour changes)
- Thrush
- Irritation around the bottom or the genitals
Is Oxytetracycline safe for me?
As is the case with all prescription medicines, and especially antibiotics, your suitability for the treatment can be assessed only by a medical professional, familiar with your medical history and profile. Naturally, there are some circumstances when the use of Oxytetracycline will not be advised.
One of the more common reasons for this is the risk of adverse interaction with other medicines or supplements which you might be taking at the same time. Some of the medicines that are known to interact with Oxytetracycline include:
- Any type of penicillin
- Vitamin A
- Retinoids (acitretin or isotretinoin)
- Oral contraceptives
- Anticoagulants
- Diuretics
- Drugs for diabetes
- Anaesthetics
- Antacids
In addition to this, Oxytetracycline will not be the best option for those who might have allergies to similar antibiotics, lupus or kidney or liver problems.