Terramycin - Tetracycline

What is it?

Composition

Terramycin contains the active substance oxytetracycline, which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This substance effectively suppresses the growth and reproduction of bacteria, affecting the process of synthesis of their proteins. The drug is available in different forms of release, each of which has its own auxiliary components.

• Oxytetracycline is the main active ingredient with antibacterial activity.
• The auxiliary substances in the ointment are petroleum jelly and mineral oil, which facilitate easy application to the skin or mucous membrane.
• The tablets contain lactose, starch and magnesium stearate, which ensure ease of dosing and absorption.

The composition may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer and form of release, which should be taken into account when choosing a drug.

How to use?

The correct use of Terramycin depends on the form of release and the nature of the infection. Before starting treatment, it is important to consult a doctor or veterinarian to determine the optimal dosage and duration of therapy.

1. If the ointment is used, it is necessary to apply a thin layer of the drug to the affected area of the skin or mucous membrane 1-2 times a day. It is important to avoid getting the ointment in the mouth or eyes if it is intended for external use.
2. When using tablets, the dosage is determined individually. Most often, adults are recommended to take 250-500 mg 2-4 times a day, depending on the severity of the disease. Tablets are washed down with a sufficient amount of water.
3. The duration of the course is usually 5-7 days, but in difficult cases it can be increased. Even if the symptoms have disappeared, treatment should not be interrupted earlier than the prescribed period to avoid relapse.

Following the instructions for use and maintaining regular intake will help achieve the maximum therapeutic effect.

How does it work?

The mechanism of action of Terramycin is based on the activity of its main component - oxytetracycline. This antibiotic is a bacteriostatic agent, which means that it does not kill bacteria directly, but stops their reproduction. This is achieved by blocking the synthesis of proteins in the cells of microorganisms, which makes their further growth and division impossible.

The drug is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative strains. It is also active against some atypical microorganisms, such as mycoplasma and rickettsia. This makes Terramycin a universal remedy for the treatment of infections of various origins, including skin diseases, respiratory infections and eye inflammations.

The peculiarity of Terramycin is its ability to penetrate into the tissues and fluids of the body, which ensures its high effectiveness in systemic infections.

Indications

Terramycin is used to treat various bacterial infections caused by microorganisms sensitive to oxytetracycline. The drug is prescribed in the following cases:

• Respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia and pharyngitis.
• Skin diseases, such as boils, abscesses, infected wounds and dermatoses.
• Eye infections, including conjunctivitis, keratitis and blepharitis.
• Urinary tract diseases, including cystitis and pyelonephritis.
• Gastrointestinal tract infections, such as dysentery or cholecystitis.
• Systemic infections, including brucellosis, rickettsiosis and some types of sepsis.

The broad spectrum of action and versatility of the drug make it in demand in the treatment of both local and systemic infections, especially if the pathogen is identified or suspected.

Contraindications

Although Terramycin is an effective remedy against many infections, its use is contraindicated in certain cases. Ignoring contraindications can lead to complications, so it is important to consult a doctor before starting treatment.

• Hypersensitivity or allergy to oxytetracycline or other tetracycline antibiotics.
• Severe liver or kidney dysfunction, since the drug is excreted through these organs.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding - tetracyclines can adversely affect fetal development and penetrate into breast milk.
• Children under 8 years of age due to the risk of developing permanent discoloration of teeth and effects on bone tissue.
• Conditions associated with vitamin D or calcium deficiency, since the drug can disrupt mineral balance.

If the patient has one of these contraindications, the doctor will select an alternative treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.

Side effects

Like any other antibiotic, Terramycin can cause side effects that vary in severity. Most often, adverse reactions are associated with individual sensitivity of the body, dosage and duration of treatment.

• From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or dysbacteriosis.
• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling, in rare cases - anaphylactic shock.
• From the skin: increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), manifested in the form of burns or redness.
• From the nervous system: headache, dizziness, impaired coordination.
• Long-term use can lead to an imbalance of microflora, for example, the development of candidiasis.

If any side effects occur, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage or replace the drug with another antibiotic.