What is oxytetracycline?
Oxytetracycline (brand name Terramycin®) is an antimicrobial medication used to treat bacterial infections in cats, dogs, cattle, sheep and horses.
It may be used “off label” or “extra label” to treat bacterial infections in other species. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine. In these instances, follow your veterinarian’s directions and cautions very carefully.
How do I give my pet oxytetracycline?
Oxytetracycline comes in oral tablet form. This medication may be compounded into liquid form.
- Oral forms of this drug should be given on an empty stomach, 1–2 hours apart from food (including milk or other dairy products) and minerals (e.g., iron or calcium).
- Compounded liquid forms of this medication must be measured carefully.
- Give this medication to your pet for the entire time prescribed by your veterinarian, even if it appears that your pet is feeling better.
What if I miss giving my pet the medication?
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember and then continue with the regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Are there any potential side effects from oxytetracycline?
Oxytetracycline may cause the following side effects:
- gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea)
- loss of appetite
- skin reddening or sunburn
The following reactions are rare; if they occur, contact your veterinarian immediately:
- an allergic reaction such as irregular breathing, rash, fever, puffiness and swelling around the face; or
- signs of liver toxicity such as jaundice (yellowing of skin, whites of eyes, and/or gums), bloated painful abdomen, profuse vomiting and/or diarrhea, no appetite, seizures, and/or bleeding.
Drug sensitivities can develop over time with repeated exposure. Your pet may have no reaction after the first few doses, but may develop a sensitivity later. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours.
Are there any risk factors for this medication?
- This medication should be AVOIDED in animals allergic to tetracyclines and animals who are pregnant unless the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the offspring.
- CAUTION should be used when giving this medication to animals with kidney or liver disease and to young animals still developing.
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Certain medications should be USED WITH CAUTION when given with oxytetracycline, including but not limited to:
- beta-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics
- digoxin
- furosemide
- oral antacids or oral products containing aluminum
- retinoid acids
- warfarin
- atovaquone
Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
Is any monitoring needed with this medication?
Your veterinarian may schedule a follow-up visit after the course of medication is complete to ensure the infection has been cleared and/or do additional testing to ensure this is the right medication for the type of infection that is present. In this case, follow your veterinarian’s directions.
How do I store oxytetracycline?
- Store the medication in its original container, protected from light, at room temperature.
- If your veterinarian or pharmacist has made a special (compounded) formulation for your pet, follow the storage recommendations and expiration date for the product.
- Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility.
