Overview
DESCRIPTION Demeclocycline HCl is an antibiotic isolated from a mutant strain of Streptomyces aureofaciens. Chemically it is 7-Chloro-4-(dimethylamino)-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-3,6,10,12,12a-pentahydroxy-1,11-dioxo-2-naphthacenecarboxamide monohydrochloride. Its structural formula is: Demeclocycline HCl tablets, USP, for oral administration, contain 150 mg or 300 mg of demeclocycline HCl,...
Mechanism of Action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Pharmacokinetics The absorption of demeclocycline is slower than that of tetracycline. The time to reach the peak concentration is about 4 hours. After a 150 mg oral dose of demeclocycline tablet, the mean concentrations at 1 hour and 3 hours are 0.46 and 1.22 mcg/mL (n=6) respectively. The serum half-life ranges between 10 and 16 hours. When demeclocycline HCl is given concomitantly with some dairy products, or antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, the extent of absorption is reduced by more than 50%. Demeclocycline HCl penetrates well into various body fluids and tissues. The percent of demeclocycline HCl bound to plasma protein is about 40% using a dialysis equilibrium method and 90% using an ultra-filtration method.
Indications
- INDICATIONS AND USAGE Demeclocycline HCl 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...
Common Doses
- 150 mg
- 300 mg
- 13 mg
- 600 mg
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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: (see WARNINGS ). Tetracyclines should be used cautiously in patients with impaired renal function.
Contraindications
- CONTRAINDICATIONS This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines or any of the components of the product formulation.
Side Effects
- ADVERSE REACTIONS 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.
Interactions
- No major interactions listed on the FDA label. Always consult a healthcare professional.