Demethylchlortetracycline therapy in acute gonococcal urethritis

In 232 male military personnel with acute gonococcal urethritis, 100 per cent cure rates followed oral demethylchlortetracycline after an initial dose of 900 mg. plus 150 mg. 4 times daily for 5 days (60 patients); 90 per cent cure rates after 900 mg. plus 150 mg. 4 times daily for 3 days (60 patients); and 64 per cent cure rates after a single dose of 900 mg. (113 patients). The incidence of adverse effects with these dosage regimens was 21.6,15.0, and 23.0 per cent, respectively. The effects consisted of mild gastrointestinal disturbances, developing usually within a few hours after the 900 mg. dose. The possible reasons for the relatively poorer results with a single 900 mg. dose than those reported by other investigators may include the varying rates of follow‐up and reinfection. Results may also be affected by the type of patients used.