Effect of oxytetracycline and doxycycline on muscle tone in healthy human volunteers

Abstract

Background: Reduced grip strength is associated with adverse health consequences, and therefore there is interest in identifying modifiable influences. Tetracyclines are commonly used antibiotics, but their effect on muscle strength is unclear. Methods: We investigated associations between oxytetracycline, doxycycline and grip strength among 15 healthy human volunteers pre and post administration of test drug. The test drugs were administered at doses of oxytetracycline 500 mg and doxycycline 100 mg and the effect of test drugs on grip strength using jamar hand grip dynamometer was assessed. Results: Oxytetracycline was associated with a significant decrease in average grip strength of both right and left hand. Conclusions: Use of oxytetracycline is associated with reduced grip strength in healthy human volunteers. These findings have potential implication on the functional ability of muscle.