Does Oxytetracycline have Side Effects?

The majority of patients take oxytetracycline without any problems. However, like all medication, oxytetracycline has the potential to cause side effects.

Tell your doctor if the following side effects occur: -

• gastric upsets, such as nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea and difficulty in swallowing and irritation of the oesophagus (gullet)
• pseudomembranous colitis (watery diarrhoea, fever and cramps)
• inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis, causing pain in the abdomen or back, feeling sick and fever)
• If you notice increased bruising, nosebleeds, sore throats, infections, excessive tiredness, breathlessness on exertion or abnormal paleness of the skin, you should tell your doctor who may want you to have a blood test
• an overgrowth of resistant organisms which may cause infection/inflammation of the mouth, tongue, intestines and vagina,
• skin rashes, which involve changes to the colour and texture of the skin

Stop taking the tablets immediately and seek urgent medical advice if the following occur: -

• symptoms of an allergic reaction: skin rashes which may be itchy, swelling of the face and tongue. Fever and chest pain (symptoms of inflammation of the membrane around the heart) or breathing difficulties and collapse (anaphylaxis)
• symptoms of raised pressure in the skull: headache, visual problems including blurred vision, "blind" spots, double vision
• sensitivity to sunlight or artificial light such as sunbed (symptoms such as tingling, burning or redness of the skin)