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Product Name: Oxytetracycline
Synonyms: 4-(Dimethylamino)-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-3,5,6,10,12,12a-hexahydroxy-6-methyl-1,11-dioxo-2-naphthacenecarboxamide
CAS Number: 79-57-2
Recommended Use: Antibacterial agent in human and veterinary medicine
Manufacturer/Distributor: Listed on packaging or shipping documents
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center, hospital, or manufacturer phone number on package
Classifications: Harmful if swallowed, skin or eye irritant, environmental hazard
GHS Label: Exclamation mark, Health hazard, Aquatic environment label
Health Hazards: Skin rash, eye redness, allergic reactions, possible liver or kidney impact with overexposure
Physical Hazards: Dust can irritate airways; not flammable under routine conditions, but can decompose and produce harmful fumes
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life, long-term impact in waterways
Signal Word: Warning
Chemical Name: Oxytetracycline hydrochloride
Concentration: 95–100% (depending on purity)
Other Components: Trace solvents and water (below 2%, depending on formulation)
Molecular Formula: C22H24N2O9•HCl
Molecular Weight: 496.89 g/mol
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, seek medical attention if irritation persists
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and plenty of water, remove contaminated clothing
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, keep at rest, seek medical support if respiratory discomfort continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, give water to dilute, call physician or poison center immediately; do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel
Most Important Symptoms: Skin rash, itching, redness, gastrointestinal discomfort, trouble breathing if allergic
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Media: High-pressure water streams can spread powder
Hazards from Combustion: May produce carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen chloride, other toxic gases
Firefighting Instructions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing
Special Precautions: Avoid inhaling fumes, control runoff to prevent environmental contamination
Personal Precautions: Ventilate area, use personal protective equipment, avoid breathing dust
Spill Response: Sweep or scoop up spilled material; avoid creating dust, place in suitable closed container for disposal
Environmental Protection: Prevent entry into drains, surface waters, and soil
Cleanup Methods: Rinse spill area with water after collection; use absorbent materials if liquid form
Notification Procedures: Inform appropriate local authorities if large spills reach environment
Safe Handling: Work in a well-ventilated space, minimize dust generation, wash hands after use, avoid contact with skin and eyes
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids and bases, reducing agents
Storage Conditions: Store in tight, light-resistant containers away from food, incompatible substances, high humidity
Temperature Requirements: Store below 25°C; avoid freezing and direct sunlight
Specific End-Use(s): Pharmaceutical, veterinary, and research applications according to established procedures
Occupational Exposure Limits: No exposure limit established specifically for oxytetracycline; minimize exposure
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, containment, closed systems
Personal Protection:
Gloves (nitrile or latex), laboratory coat, safety goggles or face shield, NIOSH-approved respirator if dust expected
Hygiene Measures: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling; wash hands and face thoroughly
Appearance: Yellow, odorless crystalline powder
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol
Melting Point: Decomposes above 180°C
pH (1% solution): 2.0–3.0
Partition Coefficient (Log Kow): –1.3
Vapor Pressure: Not significant at room temperature
Bulk Density: ~0.55 g/cm³
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Data not available
Odor Threshold: Not determined
Stability: Stable under normal conditions and proper storage
Decomposition: Heat, moisture, and light degrade the molecule
Incompatible Substances: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, alkali
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrochloric acid fumes upon combustion
Polymerization: Does not occur under normal industrial uses
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 4,800 mg/kg
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin, eyes, ingestion
Chronic Effects: Sensitization, photosensitivity, liver and renal impairment with extended use
Possible Effects: Upset stomach, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, hypersensitivity, rare risk of anaphylaxis
Carcinogenicity: No evidence according to major agencies
Mutagenicity: Data suggest no significant mutagenic risk
Ecotoxicity: Toxic for fish, aquatic invertebrates, cyanobacteria
Aquatic Impact: May disturb local water microbiomes, persist due to resistance to breakdown
Mobility in Soil: Moderate mobility driven by solubility and charges
Persistence and Degradability: Environmental breakdown slow in low-light, low-temperature conditions
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low; does not tend to accumulate in animal tissue
Waste Management: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national laws
Recommended Disposal Method: Incineration in licensed facility
Contaminated Packaging: Triple rinse and dispose as hazardous waste
Prevent Release: Do not discharge into drains, soil, or environment
Further Guidance: Check for specific pharmaceutical take-back programs or hazardous waste collectors
UN Number: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport
Proper Shipping Name: Oxytetracycline, solid
Transport Hazard Class: Not regulated
Packing Group: Not applicable
Special Precautions for User: Protect from moisture, direct sunlight, extreme temperatures during transport
Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant under typical quantities and packaging, though large quantities need care
TSCA Status: Listed
REACH Registration: Exempt as pharmaceutical product, check article 2(5) under EU law
OSHA/WHMIS: Classified as hazardous for irritation and health risk
Other Regulations: Subject to regulation under FDA as an active pharmaceutical ingredient, veterinary restrictions in some countries, and residue limits in food-producing animals
Labeling Requirements: Manufacturer safety labels, warning statements, and product registration codes on all packaging
