[Oxytetracycline--mechanism of action and application in skin diseases].

Oxytetracycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic. Newly discovered, additional mechanisms of action include antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immynosupresive activity of oxytetracycline and other tetracyclines. These activities were the basis for developing therapy regimens with oxytetracycline in subantimicrobial doses. Due to its significant efficacy, limited adverse effects and low therapy costs, oxytetracycline at the dose of 500 mg per day is presently considered as therapy of choice in papulopustulous acne. Rosacea and perioral dermatitis are other indications. Topical oxytetracycline shows significant efficacy in primary and secondary skin infections with inflammatory reaction.