Minocin

Common Name: minocycline

How does Minocin work?

Minocycline belongs to the class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It is used to treat infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It is most commonly used to treat certain types of skin infections, urinary tract infections, gallbladder infections, and respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Minocin?

The recommended adult dose of minocycline is 100 mg or 200 mg for the first dose, followed by 100 mg every 12 hours. The adolescent dose (for those 13 years and over) of minocycline is based on body weight. Minocycline is not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Do not take this medication at the same time as iron preparations or antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, since they may reduce the absorption of minocycline. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Finish all of this medication, even if you start to feel better. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Minocin come in?

Minocin® is available in strengths of 50 mg and 100 mg. 50 mg: Each orange, hard-shell capsule, printed "Lederle M2" and "MINOCIN 50 mg", contains minocycline 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: magnesium stearate, mineral oil, and starch; empty capsule: FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide. 100 mg: Each orange-purple, hard-shell capsule, printed "Lederle M4" and "MINOCIN 100 mg", contains minocycline 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: magnesium stearate, mineral oil, and starch; empty capsule: FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 3, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and titanium dioxide. This medication does not contain tartrazine.

What should I NOT take with Minocin?

This medication should not be used by anyone who is allergic to minocycline, other antibiotics in the tetracycline family, or any of the ingredients of the medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Minocin?

Birth control pills: Birth control pills may be less effective, and you may experience an increased incidence of breakthrough bleeding, when you use minocycline at the same time. Your doctor may advise that you use a second form of birth control while taking this medication. Discoloration of teeth: The use of minocycline during tooth development (from the last trimester of pregnancy to the age of eight years) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-grey-brown). Though more commonly associated with long-term use of tetracyclines, this effect has also been known to occur after taking the medication for a short time. For this reason, minocycline should not be used by children eight years old or younger unless other medications are unlikely to be effective or can't be used. Liver disease: People with liver disease may have a higher risk of side effects from this medication. Lupus erythematosus: Minocycline is capable of aggravating the symptoms associated with lupus erythematosus. Therefore, people with this disease should take minocycline with caution. Occupational hazards: People who take minocycline may experience headaches, lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of balance. Decreased hearing has been reported rarely by those who take this medication. Using more than the recommended dosage can increase the frequency and severity of these symptoms. People who use minocycline are cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery. These symptoms may disappear during therapy and usually disappear rapidly when the medication is discontinued. Overgrowth of organisms: The use of antibiotics may occasionally result in an overgrowth of organisms not killed by medication. This can cause conditions such as yeast infections to occur for some women. Women may be able to prevent yeast infections by eating yogurt daily while taking minocycline. Stomach problems (especially colitis): Minocycline may infrequently cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis (serious diarrhea caused by antibiotics). Anyone who develops significant diarrhea after starting this medication, even several weeks after treatment, should contact their doctor as soon as possible. Sun sensitivity: An exaggerated sunburn reaction may occur for some people taking minocycline. As soon as skin redness appears, stop taking the medication and check with your doctor. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Minocycline is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Children: Minocycline is not recommended for use by children younger than 13 years of age.