DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Demeclocycline (dem-e-kloe-SYE-kleen)
Brand Name: Declomycin

Demeclocycline is used for:

Treating certain bacterial infections. It may be used in combination with other medicines to treat amoeba infections in the intestines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Demeclocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by interfering with the production of proteins needed by the bacteria to grow. Slowing the bacteria's growth allows the body's defense mechanisms (eg, white blood cells) to destroy the bacteria.

Do NOT use Demeclocycline if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Demeclocycline or another tetracycline (eg, minocycline)
• you are currently taking acitretin, isotretinoin, or a penicillin (eg, amoxicillin)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Demeclocycline :

Some medical conditions may interact with Demeclocycline . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have kidney or liver problems or diabetes

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Demeclocycline . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Acitretin, anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), digoxin, isotretinoin, methotrexate, or methoxyflurane because the side effects and toxic effects may be increased by Demeclocycline
• Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) or penicillins (eg, amoxicillin) because the effectiveness may be decreased by Demeclocycline

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Demeclocycline may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Demeclocycline :

Use Demeclocycline as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Demeclocycline on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
• Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; bismuth-containing products; iron; urinary alkalinizers (eg, sodium bicarbonate); zinc; or multivitamins with minerals within 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Demeclocycline .
• To clear up your infection completely, continue using Demeclocycline for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days.
• Drink plenty of fluids with Demeclocycline to wash it down and avoid the risk of throat irritation.
• To help prevent throat irritation, do not lie down immediately after taking Demeclocycline .
• Do not use Demeclocycline if it is outdated or has been stored incorrectly.
• If you miss a dose of Demeclocycline , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Demeclocycline .

Important safety information:

• Demeclocycline may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Demeclocycline . Using Demeclocycline alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• It is important to use Demeclocycline for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Demeclocycline and may increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Demeclocycline and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
• Demeclocycline is effective only against bacteria. It is not effective for treating viral infections (eg, the common cold).
• Long-term or repeated use of Demeclocycline may cause a second infection. You may need to stop taking Demeclocycline and start another medication to treat the second infection. Contact your doctor if signs of a second infection occur.
• Demeclocycline may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, be sure to use an additional form of birth control while using Demeclocycline .
• Demeclocycline may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.
• If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occur, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring immediate medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without consulting your doctor.
• Do not use Demeclocycline for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Demeclocycline may interfere with certain lab test results. Make sure your doctor and laboratory personnel know you are using Demeclocycline .
• Diabetes patients - Demeclocycline may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• LAB TESTS, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood cell counts, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Demeclocycline with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years of age who have diarrhea or a stomach or bowel infection.
• Demeclocycline is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 8 years of age because permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) may occur.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Demeclocycline has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Demeclocycline during pregnancy. Demeclocycline is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Demeclocycline .

Possible side effects of Demeclocycline :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness; headache; indigestion; loss of appetite; nausea; sensitivity to sunlight; throat irritation; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; blurred vision; dark urine; decreased or increased urination; fever, chills, or sore throat; increased thirst; muscle weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe diarrhea; severe or persistent headache; severe or persistent throat irritation; severe skin reaction to the sun; stomach pain or cramps; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness; vaginal irritation or discharge; vision changes; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Demeclocycline :

Store Demeclocycline at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Demeclocycline out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Demeclocycline , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Demeclocycline is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Demeclocycline . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.