Demeclocycline tablets

What are demeclocycline tablets?

DEMECLOCYCLINE (Declomycin®) is a tetracycline-type antibiotic. Demeclocycline kills certain bacteria that cause infection, or stops their growth. It treats many kinds of infections of the skin, bone, stomach, respiratory tract, sinuses, ear, and urinary tract. Demeclocycline also treats certain sexually transmitted diseases. Generic demeclocycline tablets are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take demeclocycline?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes insipidus

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• long exposure to sunlight (working outdoors)

• an unusual or allergic reaction to demeclocycline, or other tetracyclines

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take demeclocycline tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water; take tablets in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. Take demeclocycline 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after eating; taking it with food can make it less effective. Avoid having dairy products, such as yogurt, milk, or cheese with your medicine; they can reduce the effect of demeclocycline. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be an interval of at least 6 to 8 hours between doses.

What drug(s) may interact with demeclocycline?

• antacids

• calcium salts

• cholestyramine

• colestipol

• desmopressin

• digoxin

• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills

• ferrous sulfate

• magnesium salts

• methoxyflurane

• other antibiotics

• sodium bicarbonate

• vitamin A

• warfarin

• zinc salts

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking demeclocycline?

Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve in 2 to 3 days.

Do not take demeclocycline just before going to bed. It may not dissolve properly when you are lying down and can cause pain in your throat.

Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how demeclocycline affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient.

Make sure your diet provides vitamin B. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you think you are short of this vitamin.

Birth control pills (contraceptive pills) may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Use an extra method of birth control for at least one month.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking demeclocycline.

Antacid can stop demeclocycline working. If you get an upset stomach and want to take an antacid, make sure there is an interval of at least 2 hours since you last took demeclocycline, or 4 hours before your next dose.

Iron and zinc preparations can also stop demeclocycline from working properly.

Never use demeclocycline if it is past the expiration date; it can make you seriously ill.

What side effects may I notice from taking demeclocycline?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• blurred vision or other vision problems

• dark yellow or brown urine

• difficulty breathing

• dizziness

• frequent passing of urine

• headache

• increase in the amount of urine

• increased sensitivity to the sun or ultraviolet light

• increased thirst

• itching in the rectal or genital area

• pain on swallowing

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• stomach pain or cramps

• skin rash or itching

• swelling of face or neck

• tingling or numbness of the hands or feet

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• yellowing of eyes or skin.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• discolored tongue

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• sore mouth

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.