Oxytetracycline

How Does Our Service work?

With Prescription Doctor, you can request a prescription for Acne treatment online. Oxytetracycline can be bought online to treat adults aged between 18 to 65 years. Doses of 250mg tablets come in 112, 224 and 336.

To begin your free consultation, fill out our online medical form for one of our doctors to review.

If our Doctor approves your order before 3 pm on a weekday, our UK registered pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your item for delivery tomorrow.

What is Oxytetracycline?

Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic from the tetracycline class. Oxytetracycline is used to treat acne, rosacea and other bacterial infections. It works by targeting bacteria responsible for causing inflammation and lesions on the face.

It is suitable for most people; however commonly not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. In this case, an antibiotic known as erythromycin can be prescribed.

It is recommended to use a topical treatment, such as Differin or Epiduo, alongside an oral antibiotic to treat acne. 

How does Oxytetracycline work on acne?

Oxytetracycline prevents the growth and spread of a bacterium responsible for acne called Propionibacterium acnes. 

These bacteria live on the skin's surface and feed on a waxy substance secreted by sebaceous glands called sebum. Most sebaceous glands are associated with hair follicles and produce a crucial oily secretion – sebum – which waterproofs the hairs and maintains the skin's suppleness. After feeding on the sebum, the bacterium excretes fatty acids and other substances which irritate the sensitive sebaceous glands, resulting in inflammation and redness in the area.

Oxytetracycline attacks the bacteria, which allows the skin to heal — resulting in a reduction in redness and inflammation. 

How long does Oxytetracycline take to work on acne?

Oxytetracycline takes between 4 and 6 months to treat acne, though more complicated or severe acne may take longer. If you do not notice an improvement in your condition after 6 months, you can reach out to one of our prescribers.

You will not notice an immediate change after taking Oxytetracycline. It may take several weeks for Oxytetracycline to start working, so you should continue taking it for as long as prescribed.

What causes acne?

There is a wide range of factors that can influence acne, such as:

• Medications
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Genetics
• Some cosmetics
• Smoking

In many cases, acne is influenced by changes in hormone levels of testosterone and progesterone in men and women. During puberty, fluctuations in these hormones can also cause acne.

But acne can last into your 20s. According to the NHS, approximately 3% of people over 35 in the UK have acne.

While stringent cosmetic testing has dramatically reduced the risk, acne caused by cosmetics like make-up and skin creams can still occur. Acne caused by cosmetics can happen due to an allergy to some ingredients or by blocking the sebaceous glands on the skin, resulting in blackheads.

To learn more about the cause of acne, visit the NHS Website. 

How do you take Oxytetracycline?

For the treatment of acne, the usual dose is Oxytetracycline 250mg 1 or 2 tablets twice a day. However, the Doctor can give a more tailored treatment depending on the severity of the acne. Please follow the instructions given to you by the prescriber.

You should take Oxytetracycline on an empty stomach, an hour before or two hours after food. Taking Oxytetracycline with food or drink will reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Do not take Oxytetracycline with milk products, antacids or aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc.

Take Antacids containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc at least 2 hours before or after taking the Oxytetracycline dose.

Who should not take Oxytetracycline?

You should not take Oxytetracycline if you:

• Are under 12
• Are allergic to any of the Ingredients
• Have or had Kidney or Liver Problems
• Have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Are Pregnant or Breast Feeding
• Are taking Retinoid or Vitamin A therapy
• Have a condition called Porphyria
• Have Myasthenia gravis – characterised by slurred speech, muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing and chewing

You should also inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Diuretics
• Penicillin antibiotics
• Blood Thinners (Anti – coagulants) such as warfarin
• Insulins or sulphonylureas such as Gliclazide used for diabetes
• Oral Contraceptives
• Antacids
• Kaolin-pectin and bismuth subsalicylate

Oxytetracycline side effects

All medications carry the potential risk of side effects, though it is never guaranteed that you will experience them. Being aware of the risks associated with your treatment is important to your care.

The following mild side effects can occur when taking Oxytetracycline:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sensitivity to sunlight – apply adequate protection (SPF 50)
• Stop taking the medication and consult your Doctor if you suffer from the following after taking Oxytetracycline:
• Hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rashes, swelling of the face or tongue, chest pain and fever
• Visual issues such as blurred or double vision, blind spots and headaches
• Diarrhoea, fever, cramps
• Discolouration of the skin and teeth
• Difficulty in swallowing or swelling of the chest and throat

Above is not an exhaustive list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Oxytetracycline can be found in the patient information leaflet, which is supplied with your treatment.

If you experience any side effects, regardless of whether they are listed above or in the patient information leaflet, speak to your GP.

Frequently asked questions

Will Oxytetracycline affect my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Oxytetracycline should not impact your ability to drive or operate machinery.

If you experience any side effects which might impair your concentration, such as dizziness or blurred vision, avoid such activities until you feel well enough to do them.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Oxytetracycline?

While alcohol does not directly impact the effectiveness of Oxytetracycline, alcohol consumption may increase your risk of, or worsen, the side effects of taking Oxytetracycline.

You should limit your alcohol consumption while taking Oxytetracycline.

Will Oxytetracycline affect the contraceptive pill?

Oxytetracycline does not affect oral contraceptive pills. However, if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea after taking Oxytetracycline, this may affect the effectiveness of your contraceptive pill. If you are unsure about any of the side effects associated with Oxytetracycline, speak to your Doctor or a pharmacist.

Can I take Oxytetracycline with other acne treatments?

Oxytetracycline can be safely used alongside other acne treatments, including Epiduo and Differin. If you are unsure whether another product is safe to use alongside Oxytetracycline, speak to your Doctor or ask your pharmacist.

How can I buy Oxytetracycline online?

Our registered Doctors can provide a prescription for Oxytetracycline after reviewing your medical form. If approved before 3 pm, your medication could be with you the next day. Our service is quick, easy and safe. Our customer service team are on hand if you require any further information.