Minocycline is a prescription antibiotic that is licensed to treat a number of common infections. It is part of a class of antibiotics called
tetracyclines.
What Is Minocycline Used For?
Common uses include the following:
- Treatment for bacterial infections, such as:
A special extended-release powder form of minocycline is placed in the gums to help treat periodontitis (gum disease). Minocycline has not been approved for use in children under the age of 8.
As mentioned, minocycline is part of a class of drugs called tetracyclines. It decreases bacteria's ability to make protein. This activity does not directly kill the bacteria, but it does inhibit their growth and multiplication, which gives the immune system a chance to fight the infection.
Minocycline also has anti-inflammatory activity.
By affecting the protein-making ability of bacteria, minocycline ultimately kills the bacteria and stops it from causing infection in the body.
When and How Do I Take It?
General information for people taking minocycline includes the following:
- The medication comes as a capsule, tablet, or powder (for use in dental procedures to treat gum disease). It is usually taken one to four times a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
- Some minocycline products work best when taken without food, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. However, some products can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Make sure to refer to the instructions for your specific product.
- It is important to take minocycline with plenty of water (or other fluids) while in an upright position, in order to prevent the medication from irritating the throat.
- It should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your system.
- For minocycline to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Make sure that you complete your entire prescription, even if you start feeling better. This will ensure that the infection is completely treated.
There is conflicting information available about the possibility of an interaction with milk and minocycline. There does not seem to be a consensus about whether or not milk can significantly decrease the effectiveness of minocycline. Check with your healthcare provider before taking minocycline with milk.
Dosing Information for Minocycline
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Your age
- Whether you have decreased kidney function
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with minocycline. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.
Possible side effects of minocycline include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Skin reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity)
- Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
- Unexplained rash
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin.
Potentially serious side effects can also occur, but these are more uncommon.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- Liver disease or liver failure
- Kidney disease such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Frequent yeast infections
- Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much minocycline may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Vomiting.
How Should Minocycline Be Stored?
Minocycline capsules and tablets should be stored at room temperature. Minocycline should be kept protected from light, moisture, and excessive heat.
Keep minocycline and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your minocycline as scheduled, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the one you forgot and take your next dose instead. Never take a double dose!
Minocycline is manufactured by a number of companies, including:
- Ranbaxy
- Teva
- Medicis
- Watson Labs
- Orapharma.
Minocycline is a generic medication. It is also available under a number of brand names, such as:
- Arestin®
- Cleeravue-M®
- Dynacin®
- Minocin®
- Myrac™
- Solodyn™.
Minocycline comes in a number of strengths and forms, including:
- Minocycline 50, 75, and 100 mg tablets (Dynacin, Myrac, Cleeravue-M)
- Minocycline 50, 75, and 100 mg capsules (Dynacin)
- Minocycline 50 and 100 mg pellet-filled capsules (Minocin)
- Minocycline 45, 90, and 135 mg extended-release tablets (Solodyn)
- Minocycline 1 mg sustained-release powder (Arestin®).
