Demeclocycline - oral

Demeclocycline is an antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections such as acne, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections.

Take this medicine 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.

Demeclocycline should be taken with a full glass of water on an empty stomach at least 1 one hour before or 2 hours after meals.

This medicine must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue to take Demeclocycline even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.

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.

Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to other similar antibiotics e.g. tetracycline, doxycycline, lymecycline, minocycline and oxytetracycline.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Demeclocycline this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Demeclocycline.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- kidney disease
- liver disease
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)

Demeclocyline may also cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid direct or long hours of exposure to the sun and other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light like tanning beds or sun lamps.

Demeclocycline may cause dizziness and visual disturbances. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, and tooth discoloration (in children).

After prolonged use of Demeclocycline, you may experience frequent urination and weakness. Let your doctor know if you start feeling these side effects.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:

- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- fever with persistent sore throat or mouth ulcers, unusual bleeding or bruising

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 any of these medicines:

- other antibiotics e.g. penicillins
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)

Demeclocycline should not be taken with antacids, multivitamins, calcium pills, iron pills or laxatives containing magnesium as these could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take these medicines, take them at least 3 hours after you have taken Demeclocycline.

Inform your doctor if you are taking birth control pills. This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. You may wish to discuss additional birth control methods with your doctor.

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.

Demeclocycline should not be taken with dairy products such as milk, cheese, yoghurt or ice-cream as these could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. Take Demeclocycline at least 2 hours before or after you have taken any dairy products.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.