Demeclocycline

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.

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.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Demeclocycline may cause side effects. You may experience a darkened or discolored tongue. This effect will go away when you stop taking the medicine. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

<ul>
<li>
diarrhea</li>
<li>
itching of the rectum or vagina</li>
<li>
sore mouth</li>
<li>
changes in skin color</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

<ul>
<li>
severe headache</li>
<li>
blurred vision</li>
<li>
skin rash</li>
<li>
redness of the skin (sunburn)</li>
<li>
hives</li>
<li>
difficulty breathing or swallowing</li>
<li>
yellowing of the skin or eyes </li>
<li>
itching</li>
<li>
dark-colored urine</li>
<li>
light-colored bowel movements</li>
<li>
loss of appetite</li>
<li>
upset stomach </li>
<li>
vomiting</li>
<li>
stomach pain</li>
<li>
extreme tiredness or weakness</li>
<li>
confusion </li>
<li>
decreased urination</li></ul>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 <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking demeclocycline, 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. 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.

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.