Drug Name

Minocycline

Drug Uses

Minocycline is used for treating certain infections. It may also be used with other medicines to treat severe acne, or for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Minocycline as directed by your doctor.

• Take Minocycline by mouth with or without food.
• Take Minocycline with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL). Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking Minocycline.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Minocycline.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by slowing the growth of certain bacteria and allowing the body's immune system to kill them.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Minocycline, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Minocycline at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Minocycline out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Minocycline if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Minocycline;
• you are taking acitretin, an aluminum salt (e.g., aluminum carbonate), isotretinoin, methoxyflurane, or a penicillin.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Minocycline may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Minocycline with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Minocycline may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Minocycline. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Minocycline before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Be sure to use Minocycline for the full course of treatment. If you do not, the medicine may not clear up your infection completely. The bacteria could also become less sensitive to this or other medicines. This could make the infection harder to treat in the future.
• Lab tests may be performed while you use Minocycline. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Minocycline has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Minocycline while you are pregnant. Minocycline is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Minocycline.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• dizziness; drowsiness; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody stools; blurred vision; bulging soft spots in infants; fever; headache; increased pressure in the head; inflammation of the pancreas (increased pulse, nausea, stomach tenderness, vomiting); joint pain; muscle pain or weakness; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe diarrhea; severe skin reaction to the sun; stomach pain/cramps; trouble swallowing; unusual tiredness or weakness; vaginal irritation or discharge; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

Minocycline is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.