Demeclocycline

Demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets are indicated in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the conditions below: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsialpox and tick fevers caused by rickettsiae, Respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae Lymphogranuloma venereum due to Chlamydia trachomatis Psittacosis (Ornithosis) due to Chlamydia psittaci Trachoma due to Chlamydia trachomatis, although the infectious agent is not always eliminated as judged by immunofluorescence Inclusion conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis Nongonococcal urethritis in adults caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum or Chlamydia trachomatis Relapsing fever due to Borrelia recurrentis Chancroid caused by Haemophilus ducreyi Plague due to Yersinia pestis Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis…

The tetracyclines are primarily bacteriostatic and are thought to exert their antimicrobial effect by the inhibition of protein synthesis. The tetracyclines, including demeclocycline have a similar antimicrobial spectrum of activity against a wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Mechanism(s) of Resistance Resistance to tetracyclines may be mediated by efflux, alteration in the target site of tetracycline, enzymatic inactivation, and decreased bacterial permeability to the tetracycline or a combination of these mechanisms. Cross Resistance Cross-resistance between antibiotics of the tetracycline family occurs. Demeclocycline has been shown to be active against most isolates of the following bacteria, in vitro and/or in clinical infections as described in the INDICATIONS AND USAGE section.

Therapy should be continued for at least 24 to 48 hours after symptoms and fever have subsided. Concomitant therapy: Absorption of tetracyclines is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium and by iron-containing preparations. Foods and some dairy products also interfere with absorption. Oral forms of tetracycline should be given at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. In patients with renal impairment: Tetracyclines should be used cautiously in patients with impaired renal function. Total dosage should be decreased by reduction of recommended individual doses and/or by extending time intervals between doses. In patients with liver impairment: Tetracyclines should be used cautiously in patients with impaired liver function.

This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines or any of the components of the product formulation.

DEMECLOCYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE, LIKE OTHER TETRACYCLINE-CLASS ANTIBIOTICS, CAN CAUSE FETAL HARM WHEN ADMINISTERED TO A PREGNANT WOMAN. IF ANY TETRACYCLINE IS USED DURING PREGNANCY, OR IF THE PATIENT BECOMES PREGNANT WHILE TAKING THESE DRUGS, THE PATIENT SHOULD BE APPRISED OF THE POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE FETUS. THE USE OF DRUGS OF THE TETRACYCLINE CLASS DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT (LAST HALF OF PREGNANCY INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD TO THE AGE OF 8 YEARS) MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DISCOLORATION OF THE TEETH (YELLOW-GRAY-BROWN). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drugs but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. TETRACYCLINE DRUGS, THEREFORE, SHOULD NOT BE USED DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT UNLESS OTHER DRUGS ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ARE CONTRAINDICATED.

The following reactions have been reported in patients receiving tetracyclines: Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, dysphagia, enterocolitis, pancreatitis and inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the anogenital region, increases in liver enzymes, and hepatic toxicity has been reported rarely. Rarely, hepatitis and liver failure have been reported. These reactions have been caused by both the oral and parenteral administration of tetracyclines. Instances of esophageal ulcerations have been reported in patients receiving oral tetracyclines. Most of the patients were reported to have taken the medication immediately before lying down. Skin: Maculopapular and erythematous rashes, erythema multiforme. Exfoliative dermatitis has been reported but is uncommon. Fixed drug eruptions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported rarely.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Protect from light.