DEMECLOCYCLINE is a tetracycline antibiotic. It kills or stops the growth of some bacteria. This medicine is used to treat many kinds of infections of the lungs, pelvis, skin, and urinary tract. It will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to demeclocycline, or other tetracycline antibiotics, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets, may help you to swallow them. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or at least 2 hours after food. Do not take with food or dairy. Take while in an upright or sitting position. Take your bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 8 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

• antacids
• birth control pills
• methoxyflurane
• other antibiotics like penicillin
• some multivitamins
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

If you are being treated for a sexually transmitted disease, avoid sexual contact until you have finished your treatment. Your sexual partner may also need treatment.

Avoid taking antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium, and iron-containing products for 2 hours before and after taking a dose of this medicine.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in hearing
• changes in vision
• dark urine
• dizziness
• increased amount, frequency of urine
• increased thirst
• pain on swallowing
• rectal or genital irritation
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• tooth discoloration
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• black tongue
• diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Do not take this medicine after it has expired, it can make you ill.