Antibiotic (Tetracycline)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
Oxytetracycline is an antibiotic that works by stopping bacteria from growing and multiplying in your body, helping your immune system fight off infections more easily.
Binds to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis and producing a bacteriostatic effect against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. This mechanism is effective against intracellular pathogens including Chlamydia and Rickettsia species commonly encountered in respiratory, urogenital, and systemic infections.
Chest infections, typhoid, urinary tract infections (UTI), eye infections, skin infections like boils and acne, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhoea and chlamydia, wound infections
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Is Oxytetracycline safe to take with another drug?
Check with multiple drugs →Explore this drug
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take two doses at once to make up for it.
Important for antibiotics
Always complete the full course even if you feel better. Stopping early can cause the infection to return and become drug-resistant.
Always complete the full course of antibiotics, as stopping early because you feel better can make the infection come back stronger and harder to treat. Buy only from licensed pharmacies: brands like Pashyn 250 mg or Sastek Oxytetracycline 250 mg Capsules are known in Nigeria, but avoid buying loose capsules from roadside sellers or markets. Never use expired oxytetracycline, as unlike many drugs, expired tetracyclines can become poisonous and seriously damage your kidneys.
Do not take with milk, malt drinks, or antacids (like aluminium or magnesium tablets), as they stop the drug from working properly. Oxytetracycline can reduce how well birth control pills work, so use extra protection like condoms. Avoid taking iron supplements or blood tonics at the same time, spacing them at least 2–3 hours apart.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Oxytetracycline with your other drugs?
Oxytetracycline is NOT safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it can harm the baby's teeth and bones, so pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid it completely.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can spoil medicines fast. Do not store in the bathroom or near a window. Keep out of reach of children. Never use oxytetracycline that has expired, as expired tetracyclines can become toxic and damage your kidneys.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.