Drug Interaction Report

Aminolevulinic acid sensitizes your skin to bright lights, and combining it with other medications that can also have this effect (i.E., photosensitivity) such as demeclocycline may increase the risk of a severe sunburn. In general, it is recommended that other potentially photosensitizing medications be avoided for 24 hours before and after taking aminolevulinic acid. There have also been suggestions to avoid these medications for up to 2 weeks afterwards, although it may not be feasible to interrupt some treatments for that long, especially if they are medically necessary. Check with your doctor to see if you should temporarily withhold any of your medications before and after taking aminolevulinic acid. Following treatment, you should avoid exposure of the eyes and skin to sunlight or bright indoor lights for 48 hours. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours before or after taking demeclocycline. These products can make demeclocycline less effective in treating your infection. Do not take demeclocycline with milk or other dairy products, unless your doctor has told you to. Dairy products can make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.

Iron can bind to demeclocycline in the gastrointestinal tract, which may prevent their absorption into the bloodstream and possibly reduce their effectiveness. To avoid or minimize the interaction, iron-containing medications and demeclocycline should preferably be taken at least three to four hours apart in most cases. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns, or if you have trouble separating the dosing times. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.