Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus Due to Demethylchlortetracycline Hydrochloride

SEVERAL reports have clearly documented the nephrotoxic effect of degraded tetracycline in producing an acquired, adult-type Fanconi syndrome.1We have recently studied a patient with polyuria and hyposthenuria following somewhat prolonged administration of demethylchlortetracycline hydrochloride (Declomycin), who did not exhibit any of the previously reported tetracycline-induced renal abnormalities. The medication was neither degraded nor outdated. We obtained stock numbers of the administered medication and determined that the drug was dispensed within the period of warranty and that it had been properly stored. Report of a Case A 26-year-old white male, a first lieutenant, in the US Marine Corps, was admitted to the US Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Md on May 22, 1964 for evaluation of polyuria and hyposthenuria. History of Present Illness.— In January 1963 the patient had been treated for nonspecific prostatitis while he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. At that time he had symptoms of daytime urinary