oxytetracycline /ok′sētet′rəsī″klēn/ , a tetracycline antibiotic. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is prescribed in the treatment of bacterial and rickettsial infections. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Pregnancy, early childhood, or known hypersensitivity to this or other tetracyclines prohibits its use. It is used with caution in patients who have renal or liver dysfunction. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Among the more serious adverse effects are GI disturbances, phototoxicity, potentially serious superinfections, and various hypersensitivity reactions. Discoloration of teeth may occur in children exposed to the drug in utero or before 8 years of age.
