Antibiotics for topical use, tetracyclines

Oxytetracycline is produced by fermentation of Streptomyces rimosus.

It possesses broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against a wide range of Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria including target pathogens Dichelobacter nodosus, Fusobacterium necrophorum and other Fusobacterium spp., and Bacteroides spp.,.

Oxytetracycline is bacteriostatic and acts by inhibiting protein synthesis within the cell.

When administered topically, oxytetracycline absorption is negligible and the drug comes into direct contact with bacteria on the skin and in superficial lesions on external body surfaces. The marker dye indicates the extent of the treated area.