What are the side effects of oxytetracycline?
Mar 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the side effects of oxytetracycline include gastrointestinal discomfort, liver damage, effects on tooth and bone development, secondary infections, and allergic reactions. It is recommended to take the medication as directed by a physician. In daily life, oxytetracycline should be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions—do not adjust the dosage or prolong the duration of treatment on your own. If any adverse symptoms occur during use, the medication should be discontinued promptly and the doctor should be informed.
Generally, oxytetracycline is available in various dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and ointments. Its side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, liver damage, effects on tooth and bone development, superinfection, and allergic reactions. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Oxytetracycline directly irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, affecting normal gastrointestinal motility and secretion of digestive fluids. It may also disrupt the balance of normal intestinal flora, potentially causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
2. Liver Damage
During its metabolism in the liver, oxytetracycline may cause liver cell injury and lead to abnormal liver function, manifested as elevated liver enzymes and jaundice. This is particularly likely when the drug is used in high doses or when the patient already has impaired liver function, as it increases the liver's metabolic burden.
3. Effects on Tooth and Bone Development
Oxytetracycline can bind with calcium in newly formed bones and teeth, forming stable complexes that may lead to tooth discoloration and defective enamel development. Its use in children and adolescents may impair normal growth and development of bones.
4. Superinfection
Long-term use of oxytetracycline suppresses susceptible bacteria, allowing nonsusceptible bacteria or fungi to proliferate extensively, leading to new infections such as candidiasis. Under normal circumstances, the human microbial flora is in a state of balance; oxytetracycline disrupts this balance, providing an opportunity for previously suppressed microorganisms to grow.
5. Allergic Reactions
Since the human immune system recognizes oxytetracycline as a foreign antigen, it triggers an immune response and releases inflammatory mediators such as histamine, resulting in allergic symptoms such as rash, itching, and erythema. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur.
In daily life, oxytetracycline should be used strictly according to a doctor's instructions; patients should not adjust the dosage or prolong the duration of treatment on their own. If any adverse reactions occur during use, the medication should be discontinued immediately and the doctor should be informed to take appropriate measures.
