What is Demeclocycline?
Demeclocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that is used to treat a variety of diverse bacterial infections, including urinary tract diseases, lung infections, acne, intestinal infections, gonorrhea, chlamydia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. Demeclocycline can also be used for reasons not mentioned in this guideline.
Side effects of Demeclocycline
Seek medical attention immediately. If you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction (hives and breathing problems or swelling of your throat or face) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes or skin, pain, the skin is red or purple, an eruption that can spread and cause peeling and blistering),
Demeclocycline can cause serious adverse side effects. Consult your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Intense stomach pains; diarrhea that is bloody or watery (even when it happens months after the previous dose);
- New or getting worse cough and fever, as well as difficulty breathing;
- Difficult swallowing, nauseating blood (avoid lying down immediately following the use of demeclocycline);
- Kidney issues: swelling, less urination, being tired, or feeling exhausted;
- Low blood cell counts—fever, chills, fatigue, and weakness. Skin sores, mouth sores, easy bruising, abnormal bleeding, pale skin, cold feet and hands, and feeling lightheaded or malaise.
- Increased pressure in the skull, severe headaches, ringing in the ears, dizziness, nausea, vision issues, and headaches behind your eyes or
- Indications of pancreas or liver issues appetite loss nausea, stomach pain (that could be aggravated by back pain) fatigue nausea or vomiting; rapid heart rate dark urine, yellowing of the eyes (yellowing in the eyes or skin).
Common adverse effects of demeclocycline could include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and an inability to eat;
- Darkened skin color;
- Swollen tongue, trouble swallowing, or
- Vaginal eruption and discharge
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and others could happen. Contact your doctor for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Ciprofloxacin, Cephalexin, Metronidazole, Azithromycin, and Conivaptan
Warnings
The use of demeclocycline during pregnancy can result in bone growth issues for the baby who is not yet born, as well as permanent discoloration of teeth later on in the course of the pregnancy.
Children under 8 years of age should be treated with demeclocycline only for infections that can't be treated with a more effective antibiotic.
Before you take this drug
Demeclocycline should not be used when you have an allergy to it or similar antibiotics like Doxycycline, Minocycline, or Tetracycline.
Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
- Kidney disease or liver failure;
- Diabetes or
- Lupus.
If you're taking demeclocycline for gonorrhea treatment, your doctor could examine you to ensure that you don't have syphilis, which is a different sexually transmitted illness. Do not use it if you're expecting. Taking demeclocycline during the third or second trimester of pregnancy can result in bone growth issues for the unborn child as well as permanent discoloration of teeth later in life.
Demeclocycline may make the birth control pill less efficient. Talk to your doctor about alternative contraceptive options, such as implants, injections, a skin patch, a vaginal ring condom, a diaphragm cervical cap, and a contraceptive sponge.
Demeclocycline is a drug that can be absorbed into the breastmilk of a nursing infant and can impact the development of teeth and bones in nursing infants. Avoid breastfeeding if you are taking Doxycycline. Children under 8 years of age should be treated with demeclocycline only to treat infections that can't be treated with a less harmful antibiotic. Demeclocycline could impact the growth of children or cause permanent graying or yellowing of their teeth.
How to take demeclocycline?
Follow the directions on your prescription label, and go through all medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medication precisely as directed. Eat on an empty stomach at least one hour prior to or two hours after eating.
Use this medicine even if symptoms rapidly improve. Not taking your doses regularly can make your illness more resistant to treatment. Demeclocycline is not a treatment for the symptoms of an infectious disease (the flu or a common cold).
Demeclocycline is typically prescribed for up to 2 days after the symptoms and fever have gone away. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they share similar symptoms to yours. Keep the bottle at room temperature, far from heat, moisture, and light. Close the bottle when not being used.
Get rid of any medicine you haven't used within the time limit on the prescription label.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for SIADH:
(Not cleared by the FDA)
Initial dosage: 600–1200 mg/day, orally in 3 or 4 equal doses
Maintenance dosage: 600–900 mg/day taken orally or the least effective dose to avoid hyponatremia
Usual Adult Dose for Bacterial Infection:
150 mg orally four times in a day or 300 mg orally two times every day.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Bacterial Infection:
Over 8 years old 7 to 13 mg/kg/day, orally divided into between 2 and 4 dosages
Maximum dose: 600 mg/day
Do I be concerned if I miss a dose?
You should take the medication as quickly as you are able, but avoid any missed doses if it's nearing time to take the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time
What will happen if I take excessively?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Beware of taking anti-diarrhea medications without consulting your physician. Diarrhea can be an indication of an outbreak of infection.
Demeclocycline can cause burns more quickly. Avoid tanning beds and sunlight. Protect yourself with protective clothes and sunblock (SPF 30 or more) whenever you're outside.
Do not take the iron supplement, vitamin multivitamins, calcium supplementation, antiacids, or laxatives.
Do not take it with dairy products or milk unless your doctor has told you to.
Interaction with other drugs
Discuss with your doctor the other medications you take, including blood thinners like warfarin, Coumadin, and Jantoven.
Other medications may interact with demeclocycline. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about any other medications you take.
