Polytetra Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and more
Oxytetracycline binds reversibly to the 30S and possibly 50S ribosomal subunits, thus inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis and arresting cell growth. It is active against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.
Oxytetracycline is known as a broad-spectrum antibiotic due to its activity against such a wide range of infections. It was the second of the tetracyclines to be discovered. Oxytetracycline, like other tetracyclines, is used to treat many infections common and rare. Its better absorption profile makes it preferable to tetracycline for moderately severe acne, but alternatives sould be sought if no improvement occurs by 3 months.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Trade Name | Polytetra |
| Generic | Oxytetracycline + Polymixin B Sulphate (Topical preparation) |
| Weight | 3% + 013% |
| Type | Ointment |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | Pharmadesh Laboratories Ltd |
| Available Country | Bangladesh |
| Last Updated: | January 7, 2025 at 1:49 am |
Uses
Acne vulgaris, Gluten enteropathy or sprue, Gnathostomiasis, Gonorrhoea, Superficial ophthalmic infections, Susceptible infections, Uncomplicated gonorrhoea
Polytetra is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Localized Infection, Skin Infections, Superficial ocular infections, Susceptible bacteria
How Polytetra works
Oxytetracycline inhibits cell growth by inhibiting translation. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit and prevents the amino-acyl tRNA from binding to the A site of the ribosome. The binding is reversible in nature. Oxytetracycline is lipophilic and can easily pass through the cell membrane or passively diffuses through porin channels in the bacterial membrane.
Dosage
Intramuscular:
Susceptible infections:
- Adult: 250 mg once daily or 300 mg daily in 2-3 divided doses.
- Child: >8 yr: 15-25 mg/kg (max 250 mg) daily in 2-3 divided doses.
Oral:
Susceptible infections:
- Adult: 250-500 mg 4 times daily. Max 4 g daily.
- Child: >8 yr: 25-50 mg/kg daily in 4 divided doses.
Acne:
- Adult: 250-500 mg bid.
Unco-mplicated gonorrhoea:
- Adult: 1.5 g initially, followed by 0.5 g four times daily up to a total of 9 g per treatment course.
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
Side Effects
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting,diarrhoea, glossitis, dysphagia, photosensitivity, oesphageal irritation and ulceration, nephrotoxicity, enterocolitis, rash (rare), blood dyscrasias. Headache, visual disturbances; intracranial hypertension; bulging fontanelles (infants).
Toxicity
Adverse effects may include stomach or bowel upsets and rarely allergic reactions. Very rarely severe headache and vision problems may be signs of dangerous intracranial hypertenion.
Precaution
Elderly, renal or hepatic impairment; myasthenia gravis; lupus erythematosus, children <12 yr.
Interaction
Antacids, iron, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, zinc salts reduce absorption. Concurrent use may cause increased levels of lithium, digoxin, halofantrine and theophylline; decreased concentrations of atovaquone. Increased risk of ergotism with ergot alkaloids. May cause failure of oral contraception
Elimination Route
Readily absorbed following oral administration.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use
Pregnancy Category D. There is positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines, children <8 yr, renal damage. Pregnancy, lactation.
Special Warning
Renal Impairment-
- Intramuscular: Dosage may need to be reduced.
- Oral: Dosage may need to be reduced.
