ADVERSE REACTIONS SECTION.

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.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. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) 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. Lesions occurring on the glans penis have caused balanitis. Pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes has also been reported. Photosensitivity is discussed above. (See WARNINGS.) Renal toxicity: Acute renal failure. Rise in BUN has been reported and is apparently dose related. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. (See WARNINGS.) Hypersensitivity reactions: Urticaria, angioneurotic edema, polyarthralgia, anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid purpura, pericarditis exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus-like syndrome, pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia.Hematologic: Hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia and eosinophilia have been reported.CNS: Pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension) in adults and bulging fontanels in infants (see PRECAUTIONS-General). Dizziness, headache, tinnitus, and visual disturbances have been reported. Myasthenic syndrome has been reported rarely. Other: When given over prolonged periods, tetracyclines have been reported to produce brown-black microscopic discoloration of thyroid glands. No abnormalities of thyroid function studies are known to occur. Very rare cases of abnormal thyroid function have been reported. Tooth discoloration has occurred in pediatric patients less than years of age (See WARNINGS), and also has been reported rarely in adults.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Pharmacokinetics The absorption of demeclocycline is slower than that of tetracycline. The time to reach the peak concentration is about hours. After 150 mg oral dose of demeclocycline tablet, the mean concentrations at hour and hours are 0.46 and 1.22 ug/mL (n=6), respectively. The serum half-life ranges between 10 and 16 hours. When demeclocycline hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride penetrates well into various body fluids and tissues. The percent of demeclocycline hydrochloride bound to plasma protein is about 40% using dialysis equilibrium method and 90% using an ultra-filtration method. Demeclocycline hydrochloride like other tetracyclines, is concentrated in the liver and excreted into the bile where it is found in much higher concentrations than in the blood. The rate of demeclocycline hydrochloride renal clearance (35 mL/min/1.73 m2) is less than half that of tetracycline. Following single 150 mg dose of demeclocycline hydrochloride in normal volunteers, 44% (n 8) was excreted in urine and 13% and 46%, respectively, were excreted in feces in two patients within 96 hours as active drug.. Microbiology. Mechanism of ActionThe tetracyclines are primarily bacteriostatic and are thought to exert their antimicrobial effect by the inhibition of protein synthesis. The tetracyclines, including demeclocycline, have similar antimicrobial spectrum of activity against wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Mechanism(s) of ResistanceResistance to tetracyclines may be mediated by efflux, alteration in the target site of tetracycline, enzymatic inactivation, and decreased bacterial permeability to the tetracycline or 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.Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus anthracis Listeria monocytogenes Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus pneumoniaeGram-negative bacteria Bartonella bacilliformis Brucella species Calymmatobacterium granulomatis Campylobacter fetus Francisella tularensis Haemophilus ducreyi Haemophilus influenzae Neisseria gonorrhoeae Vibrio cholerae Yersinia pestis Because isolates of the following groups of gram-negative bacteria have been shown to be resistant to tetracyclines, culture and susceptibility testing are especially recommended:Acinetobacter species Enterobacter aerogenes Escherichia coli Klebsiella species Shigella species OTHER MICROORGANISMS: Actinomyces israelii Borrelia recurrentis Chlamydia psittaci Chlamydia trachomatis Clostridium species Entamoeba species Fusobacterium fusiforme Mycoplasma pneumoniaePropionibacterium acnes Rickettsiae Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue Ureaplasma urealyticum. Susceptibility Test Methods When available, the clinical microbiology laboratory should provide the results of in vitro susceptibility test results for antimicrobial drug products used in resident hospitals to the physician as periodic reports that describe the susceptibility profile of nosocomial and community-acquired pathogens. These reports should aid the physician in selecting an antibacterial drug product for treatment.Dilution Techniques Quantitative methods are used to determine antimicrobial minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). These MICs provide estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The MICs should be determined using standardized test method (broth and/or agar)1,2,3. The MIC values should be interpreted according to the criteria in Table 1.Diffusion techniques Quantitative methods that require measurement of zone diameters can also provide reproducible estimates of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size provides an estimate of the susceptibility of bacteria to antimicrobial compounds. The zone size should be determined using standardized test method.2,4 This procedure uses paper disks impregnated with 30 mcg tetracycline to test the susceptibility of microorganisms to tetracycline. The disc diffusion interpretive criteria are provided in Table 1.Table 1. Susceptibility Test Interpretive Criteria for TetracyclinePathogenMinimum Inhibitory Concentration (mcg/mL) Disk Diffusion(zone diameters in mm) SIRSIREnterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter spp. <=48>16>= 1512 -14<11Haemophilus influenza<24>8>2926-28<25Neisseria gonorrhoeae <0.25 0.5-1>2>3831-37<30Staphylococcus aureus <= 48>= 16>= 1915-18<= 14S. pneumonia (non-meningitis isolates)<= 12>= 4>= 2825-27<= 24Bacillus anthracis <1----------Franciscella tularensis <4----------A report of Susceptible indicates that the antimicrobial is likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial compound reaches the concentrations at the infection site necessary to inhibit growth of the pathogen. report of Intermediate indicates that the result should be considered equivocal, and, if the microorganism is not fully susceptible to alternative, clinically feasible drugs, the test should be repeated. This category implies possible clinical applicability in body sites where the drug product is physiologically concentrated or in situations where high dosage of the drug product can be used. This category also provides buffer zone that prevents small uncontrolled technical factors from causing major discrepancies in interpretation. report of Resistant indicates that the antimicrobial is not likely to inhibit growth of the pathogen if the antimicrobial compound reaches the concentrations usually achievable at the infection site; other therapy should be selected.. Quality Control. Standardized susceptibility test procedures require the use of laboratory controls to monitor and ensure the accuracy and precision of supplies and reagents used in the assay, and the techniques of the individuals performing the test.1,2,3,4 Standard tetracycline powder should provide the following range of MIC values noted in Table 2. For the diffusion technique using the 30 mcg tetracycline disk, the criteria in Table should be achieved.Table 2. Acceptable Quality Control Ranges for TetracyclineQC Strain Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (mcg/mL)Disk Diffusion(zone diameters in mm)Escherichia coli ATCCATCC American Type Culture Collection25922 0.5 to 218 25Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 0.12 to 1-----Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923------24 30Haemophilus influenza ATCC 492474 to 3214 22Neisseria gonorrhoeae ATCC 492260.25 130 42Streptococcus pneumonia ATCC 49619 0.06 0.527 31.

DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION SECTION.

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 hour before or hours after meals.In patients with renal impairment: (See WARNINGS.) 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. Total dosage should be decreased by reduction of recommended individual doses and/or by extending time intervals between doses. Administration of adequate amounts of fluid with the oral formulations of tetracyclines is recommended to wash down the drugs and reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration. (See ADVERSE REACTIONS.) Adults: Usual daily dose Four divided doses of 150 mg each or two divided doses of 300 mg each. For pediatric patients above eight years of age: Usual daily dose, to 13 mg per kg body weight per day, depending upon the severity of the disease, divided into two to four doses not to exceed adult dosage of 600 mg per day.Gonorrhea patients sensitive to penicillin may be treated with demeclocycline administered as an initial oral dose of 600 mg followed by 300 mg every 12 hours for four days to total of grams.

INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Demeclocycline hydrochloride is 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, 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 Cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae Campylobacter fetus infections caused by Campylobacter fetus Brucellosis due to Brucella species (in conjunction with streptomycin) Bartonellosis due to Bartonella bacilliformis Granuloma inguinale caused by Calymmatobacterium granulomatis Demeclocycline hydrochloride is indicated for treatment of infections by the following gram-negative microorganisms, when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drugEscherichia coli Enterobacter aerogenes Shigella speciesAcinetobacter speciesRespiratory tract infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae Respiratory tract and urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella species.Demeclocycline hydrochloride is indicated for treatment of infections caused by the following gram-positive microorganisms, when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:Upper respiratory infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. (Note: Tetracyclines, including demeclocycline, are not the drugs of choice in the treatment of any type of staphylococcal infection.) When penicillin is contraindicated, tetracyclines, including demeclocycline hydrochloride, are alternative drugs in the treatment of the following infectionsUncomplicated urethritis in men due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and for the treatment of other uncomplicated gonococcal infections Infections in women caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae Syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum Yaws caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes Anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis Vincents infection caused by Fusobacterium fusiforme Actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces israelii Clostridial diseases caused by Clostridium species. In acute intestinal amebiasis, demeclocycline hydrochloride may be useful adjunct to amebicides.In severe acne, demeclocycline hydrochloride may be useful adjunctive therapy.To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets and other antibacterial drugs, demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS SECTION.

Information for Patients Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Patients apt to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light should be advised that this reaction can occur with tetracycline drugs, and treatment should be discontinued at the first evidence of skin erythema. Concurrent use of tetracyclines with oral contraceptives may render oral contraceptives less effective. (See Drug Interactions.) Patients should be informed that demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets should be taken at least hour before meals or hours after meals. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) Unused supplies of tetracycline antibiotics should be discarded by the expiration date. Patients who are experiencing headache, dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo, or blurred vision while on demeclocycline therapy, should be cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery while receiving demeclocycline therapy. (See WARNINGS.) Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets are prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets or other antibacterial drugs in the future.Diarrhea is common problem cause by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.

MICROBIOLOGY SECTION.

Microbiology. Mechanism of ActionThe tetracyclines are primarily bacteriostatic and are thought to exert their antimicrobial effect by the inhibition of protein synthesis. The tetracyclines, including demeclocycline, have similar antimicrobial spectrum of activity against wide range of gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Mechanism(s) of ResistanceResistance to tetracyclines may be mediated by efflux, alteration in the target site of tetracycline, enzymatic inactivation, and decreased bacterial permeability to the tetracycline or 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.Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus anthracis Listeria monocytogenes Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus pneumoniaeGram-negative bacteria Bartonella bacilliformis Brucella species Calymmatobacterium granulomatis Campylobacter fetus Francisella tularensis Haemophilus ducreyi Haemophilus influenzae Neisseria gonorrhoeae Vibrio cholerae Yersinia pestis Because isolates of the following groups of gram-negative bacteria have been shown to be resistant to tetracyclines, culture and susceptibility testing are especially recommended:Acinetobacter species Enterobacter aerogenes Escherichia coli Klebsiella species Shigella species OTHER MICROORGANISMS: Actinomyces israelii Borrelia recurrentis Chlamydia psittaci Chlamydia trachomatis Clostridium species Entamoeba species Fusobacterium fusiforme Mycoplasma pneumoniaePropionibacterium acnes Rickettsiae Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue Ureaplasma urealyticum.

PHARMACOKINETICS SECTION.

Pharmacokinetics The absorption of demeclocycline is slower than that of tetracycline. The time to reach the peak concentration is about hours. After 150 mg oral dose of demeclocycline tablet, the mean concentrations at hour and hours are 0.46 and 1.22 ug/mL (n=6), respectively. The serum half-life ranges between 10 and 16 hours. When demeclocycline hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride penetrates well into various body fluids and tissues. The percent of demeclocycline hydrochloride bound to plasma protein is about 40% using dialysis equilibrium method and 90% using an ultra-filtration method. Demeclocycline hydrochloride like other tetracyclines, is concentrated in the liver and excreted into the bile where it is found in much higher concentrations than in the blood. The rate of demeclocycline hydrochloride renal clearance (35 mL/min/1.73 m2) is less than half that of tetracycline. Following single 150 mg dose of demeclocycline hydrochloride in normal volunteers, 44% (n 8) was excreted in urine and 13% and 46%, respectively, were excreted in feces in two patients within 96 hours as active drug.

PRECAUTIONS SECTION.

PRECAUTIONS General Pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension) in adults has been associated with the use of tetracyclines. The usual clinical manifestations are headache and blurred vision. Bulging fontanels have been associated with the use of tetracyclines in infants. While both of these conditions and related symptoms usually resolve soon after discontinuation of the tetracycline, the possibility for permanent sequelae exists.As with other antibiotic preparations, use of this drug may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, the antibiotic should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted. Incision and drainage or other surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibiotic therapy, when indicated. Prescribing demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets in the absence of proven or strongly suspected bacterial infection or prophylactic indication is unlikely to provide benefit to the patient and increases the risk of the development of drug-resistant bacteria.. Information for Patients Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Patients apt to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light should be advised that this reaction can occur with tetracycline drugs, and treatment should be discontinued at the first evidence of skin erythema. Concurrent use of tetracyclines with oral contraceptives may render oral contraceptives less effective. (See Drug Interactions.) Patients should be informed that demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets should be taken at least hour before meals or hours after meals. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.) Unused supplies of tetracycline antibiotics should be discarded by the expiration date. Patients who are experiencing headache, dizziness, light-headedness, vertigo, or blurred vision while on demeclocycline therapy, should be cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery while receiving demeclocycline therapy. (See WARNINGS.) Patients should be counseled that antibacterial drugs, including demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets, should only be used to treat bacterial infections. They do not treat viral infections (e.g., the common cold). When demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets are prescribed to treat bacterial infection, patients should be told that although it is common to feel better early in the course of therapy, the medication should be taken exactly as directed. Skipping doses or not completing the full course of therapy may (1) decrease the effectiveness of the immediate treatment and (2) increase the likelihood that bacteria will develop resistance and will not be treatable by demeclocycline hydrochloride tablets or other antibacterial drugs in the future.Diarrhea is common problem cause by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic. If this occurs, patients should contact their physician as soon as possible.. Laboratory Tests In venereal diseases when coexistent syphilis is suspected, darkfield examination should be done before treatment is started and the blood serology repeated monthly for at least months.In long-term therapy, periodic laboratory evaluation of organ systems, including hematopoietic, renal and hepatic, should be performed. All patients with gonorrhea should have serologic test for syphilis at the time of diagnosis. Patients treated with demeclocycline hydrochloride should have follow-up serologic test for syphilis after months. Drug Interactions Because tetracyclines have been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity, patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosage.Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracycline-class drugs in conjunction with penicillin.Concurrent use of tetracyclines with oral contraceptives may render oral contraceptives less effective.The concurrent use of tetracyclines and methoxyflurane has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity.Absorption of tetracyclines is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium, and by iron-containing preparations.. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term studies in animals to evaluate carcinogenic potential of demeclocycline hydrochloride have not been conducted. However, there has been evidence of oncogenic activity in rats in studies with the related antibiotics oxytetracycline (adrenal and pituitary tumors) and minocycline (thyroid tumors).Although mutagenicity studies of demeclocycline hydrochloride have not been conducted, positive results in in vitro mammalian cell assays (i.e., mouse lymphoma and Chinese hamster lung cells) have been reported for related antibiotics (tetracycline hydrochloride and oxytetracycline). (See WARNINGS and ANIMAL PHARMACOLOGY AND ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY.) Demeclocycline hydrochloride had no effect on fertility when administered in the diet to male and female rats at daily intake of 45 times the human dose.. Pregnancy Teratogenic effects. Pregnancy Category D. (See WARNINGS.) Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy.. Nonteratogenic effects. (See WARNINGS.) Labor and Delivery The effect of tetracyclines on labor and delivery is unknown. Nursing Mothers Tetracyclines are excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from the tetracyclines, decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. (See WARNINGS.) Pediatric Use Not for use in patients younger than eight years of age. See WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS (General subsection) and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION.

REFERENCES SECTION.

REFERENCES 1.Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI.) Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically. Approved Standard 9th Edition. CLSI document M7-A9, 950 West Valley Rd. Suite 2500,.Wayne, PA 19087, 2012. 2.CLSI. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. 22nd Informational Supplement. CLSI document M100-S22. Wayne, PA, 2012. 3.CLSI. Methods or Antimicrobial Dilution and Disk Susceptibility Testing of Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria: Approved Guideline 2nd Edition. CLSI document M45-A2. CLSI, Wayne, PA, 2011. 4.CLSI. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests. Approved Standard 11th Edition. CLSI document M2-A11. Wayne, PA, 2012. 1.Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI.) Methods for Dilution Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests for Bacteria that Grow Aerobically. Approved Standard 9th Edition. CLSI document M7-A9, 950 West Valley Rd. Suite 2500,.Wayne, PA 19087, 2012. 2.CLSI. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. 22nd Informational Supplement. CLSI document M100-S22. Wayne, PA, 2012. 3.CLSI. Methods or Antimicrobial Dilution and Disk Susceptibility Testing of Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria: Approved Guideline 2nd Edition. CLSI document M45-A2. CLSI, Wayne, PA, 2011. 4.CLSI. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Disk Susceptibility Tests. Approved Standard 11th Edition. CLSI document M2-A11. Wayne, PA, 2012.

WARNINGS SECTION.

WARNINGS DEMECLOCYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE, LIKE OTHER TETRACYCLlNE-CLASS ANTIBIOTICS, CAN CAUSE FETAL HARM WHEN ADMINISTERED TO 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 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.All tetracyclines form stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. decrease in fibula growth rate has been observed in premature human infants given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg/every six hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued.Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has also been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy. The anti-anabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in BUN. While this is not problem in those with normal renal function, in patients with significantly impaired function, higher serum levels of tetracycline may lead to azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis.If renal impairment exists, even usual oral or parenteral doses may lead to excessive systemic accumulation of the drug and possible liver toxicity. Under such conditions, lower than usual total doses are indicated and, if therapy is prolonged, serum level determinations of the drug may be advisable.Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Phototoxic reactions can occur in individuals taking demeclocycline, and are characterized by severe burns or exposed surfaces resulting from direct exposure of patients to sunlight during therapy with moderate or large doses of demeclocycline. Patients apt to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light should be advised that this reaction can occur, and treatment should be discontinued at the first evidence of erythema of the skin.Administration of demeclocycline hydrochloride has resulted in appearance of the diabetes insipidus syndrome (polyuria, polydipsia and weakness) in some patients on long-term therapy. The syndrome has been shown to be nephrogenic, dose-dependent and reversible on discontinuance of therapy.Patients who are experiencing central nervous system symptoms associated with demeclocycline therapy, should be cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery while on demeclocycline therapy.Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including demeclocycline hydrochloride and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile. C. difficile produces toxins and which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents. If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinue. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.