Demeclocycline (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Demeclocycline is used to treat bacterial infections including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; acne; and infections of skin, genital, and urinary systems. Demeclocycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
How this medication should be used
Demeclocycline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken two to four times a day. Drink a full glass of water with each dose. Take demeclocycline on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Do not take demeclocycline with food, especially dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take demeclocycline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Special Precautions
Before taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid:
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to demeclocycline, tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, or any other medications.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take, especially antacids, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), and penicillin. Demeclocycline decreases the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; another form of birth control should be used while taking this drug.
- Be aware that antacids, calcium supplements, iron products, and laxatives containing magnesium interfere with demeclocycline, making it less effective. Take demeclocycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids (including sodium bicarbonate), calcium supplements, and laxatives containing magnesium. Take demeclocycline 2 hours before or 3 hours after iron preparations and vitamin products that contain iron.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or kidney or liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking demeclocycline, call your doctor immediately. Demeclocycline can harm the fetus.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking demeclocycline.
- Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Demeclocycline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
you should know that when demeclocycline is used during pregnancy or in babies or children up to age 8, it can cause the teeth to become permanently stained. Demeclocycline should not be used in children under age 8 unless your doctor decides it is needed.
Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
Minor Side Effects
Amoxicillin and clavulanic acid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Sore mouth
- Changes in skin color
Severe Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- Severe headache
- Skin rash
- Redness of the skin (sunburn)
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored bowel movements
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Stomach pain
- Extreme tiredness or weakness
- Decreased urination
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to demeclocycline.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking demeclocycline.
If you have diabetes, demeclocycline can cause false results in some tests for sugar in the urine. Check with your doctor before changing your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medicine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the demeclocycline, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names
- Declomycin®