Can Oxytetracycline Treat Gastritis?

Gastritis is a condition with various potential causes, and one of the most common is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, oxytetracycline is generally not recommended for treating gastritis or H. pylori infections. According to the Helicobacter pylori Study Group of the Chinese Medical Association, oxytetracycline is not among the seven antibiotics recommended for treating H. pylori. This is primarily due to its relatively weak antibacterial activity and higher incidence of adverse effects.

Moreover, antibiotic resistance to oxytetracycline has become increasingly widespread. The extensive use of oxytetracycline in agriculture and animal husbandry has led to its presence in the food chain. As a result, many food products may come into contact with oxytetracycline during production, contributing to a rise in resistant bacterial strains in the environment.

When used for gastritis, oxytetracycline offers limited antibacterial benefits while posing potential side effects. Its use can further promote the development and spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, it is not included in standard treatment protocols for gastritis or H. pylori eradication. Additionally, if gastritis is not caused by a bacterial infection, there is no medical indication for antibiotic use, making oxytetracycline even less appropriate in such cases.

In modern clinical practice, the use of oxytetracycline has significantly declined, especially for conditions like gastritis. Patients are strongly advised against self-medicating with oxytetracycline for stomach inflammation. Instead, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy.