Demeclocycline is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the lungs, eyes, bowel, urinary tract (e.g. urethra, bladder, kidney), nose and throat. It may also be used to treat sexually transmitted diseases, rare bacterial infections (e.g. plague), severe acne (also known as pimple), and infections caused by bacteria transmitted by certain animals, ticks, lice, fleas, and mites.
This medicine may also be used to treat hyponatraemia (low levels of sodium in the blood) due to a condition that occurs when there are excessive levels of antidiuretic hormones (hormones that help the kidneys conserve the right amount of water) in the body.
Demeclocycline may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Demeclocycline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your infection or condition.
Demeclocycline must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you are taking this medicine to treat an infection, take it at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take this medicine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to Demeclocycline or similar medicines, such as tetracycline or doxycycline.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Demeclocycline may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Demeclocycline to a child and the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver and kidney function) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Demeclocycline may cause dizziness or disturbances in your vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, difficulty swallowing, ringing in the ears, and teeth discolouration in children.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
- very bad headache that is persistent
- increased frequency of urination, increased thirst, weight loss
- difficulty in passing urine, back pain, blood in the urine
- watery and bloody stools with or without stomach cramps and fever
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- penicillin (antibiotic)
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- other medicines used to treat acne e.g. isotretinoin
- medicines for migraine e.g. ergotamine, methysergide
- methoxyflurane (medicine to block pain and sensation)
- birth control pills
- supplements or medicines which contain iron or zinc
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Demeclocycline.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take them between meals at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking this medicine.
Avoid taking this medicine 3 days before and after receiving an oral typhoid vaccine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not take Demeclocycline with dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, or ice cream. Dairy products may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine when taken at the same time.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture and light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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