The Terramycin is an antibiotic strong, whose main compound is oxytetracycline hydrochloride. Its applications are really extensive in medicine to treat infections, since it has a powerful bacteriostatic and antimicrobial effect.
This drug is derived from the fungal bacteria Actinomyce, it is used to treat throat infections, against common infections, to treat CTEs (sexually transmitted diseases), in respiratory conditions, and to treat a large number of diseases. It is even used to cure certain conditions in animals.
Terramycin helps to calm the effects of pain, irritation, itching, among others that are caused by bacteria. If you want to know more about what terramycin is for , do not hesitate to continue with this interesting reading.
Index
What is Terramycin for?
It is a broad spectrum antibiotic, which includes both Gram positive and negative bacteria, for this reason it is used for common infections, especially ophthalmic and throat, as well as pandemics such as typhus, cholera and plague.
Fight microorganisms
It is responsible for inhibiting the protein management of bacteria that afflict the body, it fights a large number of microorganisms.
Treatment of infections
Oxytetracycline hydrochloride affects both aerobic and anaerobic, gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, spirochetes, microplasm, etc. Its effectiveness always goes hand in hand with the degree of the patient’s disease, since depending on the degree of infection, its evolution is lower or higher, but it is mostly used in areas affected by pandemics such as the bubonic plague.
Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases
Once again, due to the wide spectrum it covers, it is used as a complementary treatment for diseases caused by sexual contact. Some of these pathogens are: klebsiella granulomatis (inguinal granuloma), Clhamydia, Treponema Pallidum, Trichomonas vaginalis, among others.
Helps cure respiratory infections
Terramycin affects bacteria that cause respiratory infections, it is effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and other infections related to pneumonia. It is usually used to cure sore throat, otitis media, pharyngitis, and sinusitis.
Other uses of terramycin
- It is used to treat urinary infections.
- It is effective against ophthalmological infections, such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcer, keratitis, pink eye.
- It is used to treat skin conditions, such as acne and severe rosacea.
- It is effective against infections caused by rickettsia microorganisms, that is, lice, fleas, ticks, and other insects.
Diseases treated with terramycin
The following is a list of diseases that can be treated with this antibiotic belonging to the tetracycline family, some have already been mentioned above:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Bubonic plague
- Brucellosis
- Anger
- Enterocolitis
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Linfogranuloma
- Urethritis
- Syphilis
- Gonorrhea
- Granuloma inguinal
- Chlamydia
- Otitis media
- Sinusitis
- Conjunctivitis
Veterinary use of terramycin
When it comes to veterinary medicine, terramycin is especially used to treat livestock or poultry farming. Currently there are open investigations about the benefits in the control of diseases caused by other bacteria, in relation to the culture of shrimp and other animals.
One of the current concerns is about the use of this antibiotic in animals intended for the production of food for human consumption, since it seeks to limit or keep the presence of said antibiotic under control.
How is terramycin applied
Depending on the country of origin, terramycin can be found in different commercial presentations, which also include other elements that complement its effect. It is seen in the form of ophthalmic ointment, tablets, capsules and lozenges.
Due to their mode of presentation, the following questions are often asked:
What is terramycin ointment for? In this way it is indicated to treat superficial infections, dermatitis, wounds and burns. The area is cleaned and then the appropriate amount of ointment is applied.
What is terramycin ophthalmic for? It is indicated to treat ophthalmic conditions, such as those mentioned in the previous section. Depending on the severity of the infection present in the eye, as well as its nature, it can take from a day to weeks to heal. A small amount is applied to the conjunctival sac.
A little history of terramycin
It was discovered by biochemist Robert Bursn Woodward in 1953. By studying the chemical structure of this compound, the Pfizer laboratory was able to produce the drug on a large scale. In addition, this discovery was essential for the development and knowledge of other derivative antibiotics that are popular today.
Terramycin side effects
Antibiotics have many benefits for the body when they are required, but it is well known that they have side effects, therefore, they are prescribed by a professional doctor, for a specific time to treat and cure the condition.
In the case of terramycin, having a broad spectrum also affects bacteria that are beneficial to the body, such as some bacteria that make up the vaginal and intestinal flora. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to resistance from bacteria, making treatment difficult later.
Side effects are usually vomiting, diarrhea, hives, skin rashes, certain digestive disorders, nausea, esophagitis. It can also lead to anaphylactic shock, requiring immediate medical attention.
Some symptoms of an allergic reaction are difficulty breathing, audible wheezing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. If it affects the mouth cords, it is necessary to go to the emergency room.
Terramycin warnings and contraindications
The following information is not intended to supplant the opinion of a health professional, consult your doctor for more detailed information about the warnings and contraindications of this drug.
- People in a state of pregnancy should avoid the consumption of terramycin, since it can interfere with the optimal development of the embryo, and produce bone-type alterations.
- If the mother is breastfeeding, it is usually prescribed only in specific cases, as it can affect the baby’s teeth, causing discoloration or darkening of the teeth.
- Avoid use in case of liver or kidney disorders.
- If you are using other medications, it is advisable to inform the doctor, especially if it is oral contraceptives, other antibiotic medications, anticoagulant medications, or retinoids.
- It should not be used in the elderly, if in patients who are under 12 years of age.
Remember that before starting to use terramycin you should see a doctor.
Terramycin use conclusion
In general terms, we can conclude by saying that terramycin is a powerful antibiotic, effective against general and local infections, which cover a wide spectrum and diversity of pathogens, among the most prominent; gram-positive and negative, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, cocci, rickettsiae, spirochetes, actinomycetes, among others.
We hope that the information has been of great use to you. Thanks for reading!
Dr. Samantha Robson ( CRN: 0510146-5) is a nutritionist and website content reviewer related to her area of expertise. With a postgraduate degree in Nutrition from The University of Arizona, she is a specialist in Sports Nutrition from Oxford University and is also a member of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.