Demeclocycline - Benefits, dosage and side effects

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

Demeclocycline or demeclocycline hydrochloride is an antibiotic drug to treat diseases caused by bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia. This medicine can also be used to treat acne

Demeclocycline belongs to the class of tetracycline antibiotics that work by inhibiting the formation of proteins that are important for bacterial growth. That way, the bacteria will die and the infection can be resolved.

In addition to treating bacterial infections, demeclocycline is also used to treat chronic hyponatremia associated with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Please note, this drug cannot be used to treat diseases caused by viral infections, such as the flu.

Demeclocycline trademark: -

What is Demeclocycline

Class	Prescription drugs
Categories	Tetracycline antibiotics
Benefits	Treating bacterial infections and treating chronic hyponatremia related to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
Used by	Adults and children aged >8 years
Demeclocycline for pregnant and lactating women	Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. Demeclocycline can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Medicine form	Tablets and capsules

Warning Before Taking Demeclocycline

Demeclocycline must be taken according to a doctor's prescription. The following are things you need to pay attention to before taking demeclocycline:

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Demeclocycline should not be given to patients who are allergic to this drug or to drugs belonging to the tetracycline class.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have had kidney disease, liver disease, porphyria, difficulty swallowing, myasthenia gravis, sore throat, lupus, or diabetes insipidus.
• Do not drink alcohol, drive a motor vehicle, or operate heavy machinery, while taking demeclocycline, as this drug can cause dizziness.
• Consult your doctor if you are planning on having any vaccinations, while on treatment with demeclocycline.
• Do not do outdoor activities that expose you to direct sunlight while taking demeclocycline, because this drug can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• Demeclocycline should not be used by children under 8 years of age as it can cause permanent tooth discoloration and tooth decay.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception during treatment with demeclocycline.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• See your doctor immediately if you experience an overdose, drug allergic reaction, or more serious side effects after taking demeclocycline.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Demeclocycline

The dose and duration of demeclocycline use will be determined by the doctor according to the type of infectious disease, the severity of the infection, as well as the age and he alth condition of the patient. Here is the explanation:

Purpose: Overcoming bacterial infection

• Adult: 150–300 mg, 2–4 times daily.
• Children aged >8 years: 7–13 mg/kgBW, 2–4 times a day.

Aim: To treat chronic hyponatremia associated with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

• Adults: The initial dose is 900–1200 mg per day divided into several doses. Maintenance dose 600–900 mg per day.

Goal: Treat atypical pneumonia

• Adults: 900 mg, divided into 3 doses, for 6 days.

How to Take Demeclocycline Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before taking demeclocycline. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug for more than the recommended time.

Take demeclocycline regularly at the same time every day. Demeclocycline can be taken at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal or on an empty stomach. Swallow the medicine with the help of a glass of water. Swallow the medicine whole, do not chew or crush it.

If you forget to take demeclocycline, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Take demeclocycline tablets or capsules 2-3 hours before or after taking antacids, quinapril, laxatives, or milk.

Store demeclocycline in a dry, closed place, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Demeclocycline with Other Drugs

The following are some of the interactions that can occur when demeclocycline is used with certain drugs:

• Increased risk of severe renal impairment when used with methoxyflurane
• Reduced blood levels of demeclocycline when used with antacids, zinc, quinapril, kaolin, or sucralfate
• Decreased effectiveness of birth control pills or penicillin
• Increased risk of benign intracranial hypertension if used with retinoid drugs, such as acitretin
• Increased risk of ergotamine poisoning (ergotismus) when used with ergotamine
• Reduction in effectiveness of live vaccines, such as typhoid vaccine
• Increased risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant drugs, such as warfarin

Side Effects and Dangers of Demeclocycline

Side effects that may occur after taking demeclocycline are:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Discomfort in the rectum or rectum

Do an examination to the doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if an allergic reaction occurs to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyelids and lips, or difficulty breathing.

In addition, you should also go to the doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Dark discoloration of the skin or the inside of the mouth
• Pain or painful swallowing
• Frequent urination or infrequent urination
• Dark urine or very little urine
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Sore throat, fever, and chills, which don't get better
• Jaundice, stomach pain, persistent nausea or vomiting
• Tooth discoloration to gray or brown
• Ear ringing
• Blurred vision, sudden blindness, or a severe headache that doesn't go away