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Demeclocycline Coupon - Demeclocycline 300mg tablet

demeclocycline

Generic Declomycin
Used for Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, Acne, Typhoid
Used for Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Upper Respiratory Infection, Lower Respiratory Infection, Pneumonia, Acne, Typhoid

Demeclocycline is an antibiotic that treats many types of bacterial infections, but it's not commonly used because it can cause many side effects.

Last reviewed on November 18, 2021
basics-icon

What is Demeclocycline?

What is Demeclocycline used for?

  • Rickettsial infections (caused by ticks, mites, fleas, or lice), like rocky mountain spotted fever, typhus fever, Q fever, rickettsialpox, and tick fevers

  • Respiratory tract infections

  • Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, and syphilis

  • Urinary tract infections

  • Skin infections, like yaws and actinomycosis

  • Anthrax

  • Eye infections, like as trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis

  • Infections from contaminated food or water, like cholera, campylobacter fetus infections, clostridial diseases, and listeria

  • Infections caused by insects (e.g., lice, ticks, flies, fleas) or animals, like relapsing fever, plague, tularemia, brucellosis, bartonellosis, and psittacosis

  • Mouth and gum infection called Vincent's infection

  • Add-on treatment for stomach infections like acute intestinal amebiasis

  • Add-on treatment for severe acne

How Demeclocycline works

Demeclocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that prevents bacteria from making certain proteins they need for growth. This stops bacteria from growing and spreading in your body.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsDeclomycin (no longer available)
Drug ClassTetracycline antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$162.64
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What are the side effects of Demeclocycline?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Teeth discoloration in children
  • Sunburns

Other Side Effects

  • Liver problems
  • Ulcers in esophagus (tube connecting your throat and stomach)
  • Skin rash
  • Darkening of the skin
  • Skin lesions on the penis
  • Ringing in your ears
  • Changes in vision
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Tongue swelling
  • Trouble swallowing

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious skin reactions: hives, swelling of the skin, joint pain, swelling of the blood vessels, swelling of the heart, lupus-like conditions, difficulty breathing due to lung problems
  • Sudden kidney problems: shortness of breath, tiredness, confusion, nausea, weakness, abnormal heartbeat, swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
  • High pressure in the brain: bulging in the soft spot in your baby's head (fontanel), dizziness, headache, ringing in the ear, blurred vision
  • Severe diarrhea caused by a bacteria called C. difficile: severe diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, throwing up
  • Serious allergic reactions: trouble breathing, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

For all tetracyclines

More common

Increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight (rare with minocycline)

Rare

Abdominal pain

bulging fontanel (soft spot on head) of infants

headache

loss of appetite

nausea and vomiting

visual changes

yellowing skin

For demeclocycline only

Less common

Greatly increased frequency of urination or amount of urine

increased thirst

unusual tiredness or weakness

For minocycline only

Less common

Pigmentation (darker color or discoloration) of skin and mucous membranes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For all tetracyclines

More common

Cramps or burning of the stomach

diarrhea

Less common

Itching of the rectal or genital (sex organ) areas

sore mouth or tongue

For minocycline only

More common

Dizziness, light-headedness, or unsteadiness

In some patients tetracyclines may cause the tongue to become darkened or discolored. This effect is only temporary and will go away when you stop taking this medicine.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Demeclocycline

thumbs-up

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Can be used as an alternative for some infections if you're allergic to penicillin

Absorbs well into body fluids and tissues

thumbs-down

Cons

Not for people under 8 years old

Can make your skin sensitive to the sun and raise your risk of sunburns

Affects children's teeth and bone growth

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Demeclocycline

pharmacist
  • Take demeclocycline at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals so the medication can be absorbed properly.

    • Don't stop taking demeclocycline even if you feel better because it might make the medication less effective. Continue to take this medication as directed by your provider to make sure your infection gets treated properly.

      • Demeclocycline can cause headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, problems with balance, and blurred vision. Be careful driving a car or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

        • Demeclocycline can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid direct sunlight and staying out in the sun for long periods of time. Make sure to use sunscreen when going out to prevent sunburns. Stop taking the medication and contact your provider if your skin gets more red than usual.

          • Demeclocycline can pass into your breastmilk and affect your baby's bone development and teeth. Let your provider know if you're breastfeeding. They will help you decide if you should take a different medication or stop breastfeeding while taking demeclocycline.

            • Let your provider know if you have diarrhea that won't go away, even after you stop taking demeclocycline. This could be a sign of another infection.

              • Let your provider know if you're taking other medications that can interact with demeclocycline, such as blood thinners, birth control pills, methoxyflurane, or antacids.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Demeclocycline

                Do I need to take demeclocycline with food?
                Food, dairy products, iron products, and antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, can lower how much demeclocycline is absorbed into your body. This can affect how well the medication works. Demeclocycline is best taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
                Can I stop taking demeclocycline if I feel better?
                It's common to feel better a few days after taking demeclocycline, but you should continue taking the medication as directed by your provider. Stopping demeclocycline early can affect how well the medication fights against your current infection, and it can make your infection harder to treat.
                Can demeclocycline be taken for the common cold?
                Demeclocycline is only used to treat bacterial infections. The common cold is usually caused by a virus, so it can't be treated with demeclocycline. If you have an infection that's caused by a virus, like a cold or the flu, talk to your provider about alternative treatment options.
                Can I take demeclocycline if I've taken a different tetracycline antibiotic in the past that didn't work?
                Antibiotics in the tetracycline class work similarly to each other. If another tetracycline antibiotic failed to treat your infection in the past, demeclocycline will most likely not be able to treat your infection either. Speak with your provider about other antibiotics you can take to treat your infection.
                Does demeclocycline interact with other medications?
                Taking demeclocycline with blood thinners, like warfarin (Coumadin), can raise your risk of bleeding. Because of this risk, your provider might lower the dose of your blood thinner. Also, demeclocycline can make birth control pills less effective, meaning your chances of getting pregnant are higher. Be sure to use a back up method of birth control, such as condoms, while taking this medication. Taking demeclocycline with methoxyflurane can have toxic effects on your kidneys, so let your provider know if you're taking methoxyflurane before starting demeclocycline. Some dairy and iron products, or antacids with aluminum, calcium, or magnesium can affect how well your body absorbs demeclocycline and make it not work as well. If needed, take dairy products or antacids at least 3 hours before or after taking demeclocycline.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Demeclocycline?

                Demeclocycline can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Harm to your unborn baby

                • Risk factors: Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant | Premature babies | Children who are not done growing

                  Tetracyclines, including demeclocycline, can harm your unborn baby by slowing down the development of their bones. This can lead to birth defects. Let your provider know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant so they can help you find a safer treatment. Premature babies who take demeclocycline can also experience slower bone growth. This effect will go away once your baby stops taking demeclocycline.

                  risk-warning

                  Teeth color changes

                  • Risk factors: Currently pregnant in the second half of your pregnancy | Age under 8 years | Taking demeclocycline for a long time

                    Demeclocycline can permanently discolor teeth to a yellow, gray, or brown color if it's taken by women during the second half of their pregnancy or by children under 8 years old. Sometimes, demeclocycline can also affect the enamel (outer covering of the teeth) and weaken the teeth. Pregnant women and young children shouldn't take demeclocycline unless no other medications are available.

                    risk-warning

                    Sensitivity to sunlight

                    • Risk factors: Skin conditions | Being out in the sun

                      Demeclocycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can make it easier for you to get a severe sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when going outside, and don't stay in the sun for too long. If your skin gets more red than normal, speak to your provider about potentially stopping this medication.

                      risk-warning

                      Kidney and liver damage

                      • Risk factors: Kidney problems

                        Demeclocycline can buildup in your body if you have kidney problems. This can lead to liver problems and further damage to your kidneys. If you have kidney disease, your provider will likely prescribe a lower dose of demeclocycline to prevent this from happening.

                        risk-warning

                        Symptoms of diabetes

                        • Risk factors: Taking demeclocycline long term

                          Some people who take demeclocycline for a long time can experience symptoms similar to diabetes, such as producing too much urine (polyuria), feeling extremely thirsty (polydipsia), and feeling weak. These symptoms are caused by an imbalance of water and they are dependent on the dose of demeclocycline, but they usually go away once the medication is stopped.

                          risk-warning

                          Severe diarrhea

                          • Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Recent hospital stay | Weakened immune system | Previous C. diff infection

                            Demeclocycline can cause mild to severe diarrhea because it gets rid of the good bacteria in your gut. In rare cases, the diarrhea is severe and is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium difficile (or C. diff). C. diff infections are contagious, hard to treat, and can be life-threatening. Let your provider know if you experience symptoms such as severe diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, or throwing up.

                            risk-warning

                            High pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension)

                            Demeclocycline can raise the pressure in your brain. This can cause headaches and blurred vision. Although this usually goes away when the medication is stopped, there's a chance it can cause permanent damage. Let your provider know right away if you get a headache or have any changes in your vision.

                            risk-warning

                            New infection

                            There's a chance that you can get a new infection from other bacteria or fungi that are resistant to demeclocycline. Let your provider know if you notice symptoms of a new infection or if your current infection is not improving after taking demeclocycline.

                            dosage

                            Demeclocycline dosage forms

                            The average cost for 60 tablets of 300mg of Demeclocycline is $294.32 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 79.48% off the average retail price of $1434.41.
                            tablet
                            Tablet
                            DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                            150mg60 tablets$162.64$2.71
                            300mg60 tablets$294.32$4.91

                            Typical dosing for Demeclocycline

                            • Adults: The typical dose of demeclocycline is 150 mg by mouth four times daily, or 300 mg by mouth two times daily. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.

                            • Children 8 years or older: The typical dose is 7 mg/kg to 13 mg/kg by mouth per day, split into 2 to 4 doses throughout the day. The maximum dose is 600 mg per day.

                            Your dose may differ if you have kidney or liver problems.

                            interactions

                            Interactions between Demeclocycline and other drugs

                            Demeclocycline may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Demeclocycline. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                            Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                            Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

                            Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                            drug-cost

                            How much does Demeclocycline cost?

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                            alternatives

                            What are alternatives to Demeclocycline?

                            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Demeclocycline. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                            Demeclocycline
                            Used for:
                            • Rickettsial infections (caused by ticks, mites, fleas, or lice), like rocky mountain spotted fever, typhus fever, Q fever, rickettsialpox, and tick fevers

                            • Respiratory tract infections

                            • Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, chancroid, granuloma inguinale, and syphilis

                            • Urinary tract infections

                            • Skin infections, like yaws and actinomycosis

                            • Anthrax

                            • Eye infections, like as trachoma and inclusion conjunctivitis

                            • Infections from contaminated food or water, like cholera, campylobacter fetus infections, clostridial diseases, and listeria

                            • Infections caused by insects (e.g., lice, ticks, flies, fleas) or animals, like relapsing fever, plague, tularemia, brucellosis, bartonellosis, and psittacosis

                            • Mouth and gum infection called Vincent's infection

                            • Add-on treatment for stomach infections like acute intestinal amebiasis

                            • Add-on treatment for severe acne

                            $162.64 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            Used for:
                            $11.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                            images

                            Demeclocycline images

                            Pink Round An 55 - Demeclocycline Hydrochloride 300mg Tablet
                            This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "An 55".Pink Round An 55 - Demeclocycline Hydrochloride 300mg Tablet

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