Demeclocycline
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From MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Dosing in kidney impairment
Oral forms of tetracycline should be given at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. In patients with renal impairment: (see WARNINGS ). Tetracyclines should be used cautiously in patients with impaired renal function. Total dosage should be decreased by reduction of recommended individual doses and/or by extending time intervals between doses.
Drug interactions
Check demeclocycline against a medication listLabel text (4 paragraphs)
Drug Interactions ). Patients should be informed that demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets should be taken at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Unused supplies of tetracycline antibiotics should be discarded by the expiration date. Patients who are experiencing headache, dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo, or blurred vision while on demeclocycline therapy, should be cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery while receiving demeclocycline therapy (see WARNINGS ). Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets, should only be used to treat bacterial infections.
They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets are prescribed to treat a bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets or other antibacterial drugs in the future.
Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible. Laboratory Tests In venereal diseases when coexistent syphilis is suspected, darkfield examination should be done before treatment is started and the blood serology repeated monthly for at least 4 months.
In long-term therapy, periodic laboratory evaluation of organ systems, including hematopoietic, renal and hepatic, should be performed. All patients with gonorrhea should have a serologic test for syphilis at the time of diagnosis. Patients treated with demeclocycline hydrochloride should have a follow-up serologic test for syphilis after 3 months.
Supplement interactions
Dietary supplement interactions
2 noted- Magnesium can form insoluble complexes with tetracyclines, such as demeclocycline (Declomycin) and doxycycline (Vibramycin), and with quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin). These antibiotics should be taken at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after a magnesium-containing supplement.
- Both quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro) and tetracycline antibiotics (such as Achromycin and Sumycin) might interact with zinc in the gastrointestinal tract, which could inhibit the absorption of both zinc and the antibiotic if they are taken at the same time. Taking the antibiotic at least 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after the zinc supplement minimizes this interaction.
Contraindications
This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines or any of the components of the product formulation.
Safety data
Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Liver injury (LiverTox)
LiverTox has no chapter for demeclocycline. Check the label's hepatic warnings.
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Teratogenic effects Pregnancy Category D (See WARNINGS ). Result of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy. Nonteratogenic effects (See WARNINGS )
Lactation
Nursing Mothers Tetracyclines are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from the tetracyclines, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother (see WARNINGS ).
Breastfeeding (LactMed)
A number of reviews have stated that tetracyclines are contraindicated during breastfeeding because of possible staining of infants’ dental enamel or bone deposition. However, available literature indicates that there is not likely to be harm in short-term use of demeclocycline during lactation because milk levels are low and absorption by the infant is inhibited by the calcium in breastmilk. Although the manufacturer recommends avoiding breastfeeding during administration of demeclocycline, short-term use of demeclocycline is probably acceptable in nursing mothers. As a theoretical precaution, avoid prolonged or repeat courses during nursing. Monitor the infant for rash and for possible effects on the gastrointestinal flora, such as diarrhea or candidiasis (thrush, diaper rash).
Supply and cost
Drug shortage status
Recalls (last 24 months)
Therapeutic equivalence (Orange Book)
Price ladder
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