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Minocycline

Minocycline is an antibiotic often used to treat common infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and gonorrhea. It works by decreasing bacteria's ability to make protein (which it needs to survive). Minocycline comes in various forms and strengths, and is typically taken once or twice a day. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness.

 

What Is Minocycline?

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 for minocycline include the following:
 
  • Treatment for bacterial infections, such as:
o Certain types of pneumonia
o Certain types of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
o Rocky Mountain spotted fever
(Click Minocycline Uses for more information.)
 
Minocycline has not been approved for use in children under the age of 8.
 

How Does Minocycline Work?

As mentioned, minocycline is part of a class of drugs called tetracyclines. It decreases bacteria's ability to make protein, which the bacteria need to live.
 

Effects of Minocycline

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 Minocycline?

General information for people taking minocycline includes the following:
 
  • Minocycline comes as a capsule, tablet, or injection. It is usually taken once or twice a day, depending on your healthcare provider's instructions.
  • Minocycline should be taken without food. However, it can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
  • Drink a full glass of water with each dose. Do not break, chew, or crush the capsules or tablets.
  • Minocycline should be taken at the same time 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.
 

Dietary Considerations With Minocycline

There are no dietary restrictions with minocycline. If you suffer from an upset stomach while taking the antibiotic, try taking it with food or milk.
 

Dosing Information for Minocycline

The dose of minocycline that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition you are being treated for
  • 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.
 
(Click Minocycline Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Minocycline

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.
 
Common 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.
 
(Click Minocycline Side Effects for more information.)
 

Drug Interactions With Minocycline

Minocycline can interact with certain medications (see Minocycline Drug Interactions).
 

Minocycline: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking minocycline if you:
 
  • Have liver disease or liver failure
  • Have kidney disease or kidney failure
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Have any allergies to medications
  • Will be having any surgery.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Minocycline Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Minocycline?

People who take too much minocycline may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting.
     
If you happen to overdose on minocycline, seek immediate medical attention.
 

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 of Minocycline?

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!
 

Who Makes Minocycline?

Minocycline is manufactured by a number of companies, including:
 
  • Ranbaxy
  • Teva
  • Medicis
  • Watson Labs
  • Orapharma.
     

Generic Minocycline

Minocycline is a generic medication. It is also available under a number of brand names, such as:
 
  • Dynacin®
  • Minocin®
  • Vectrin®
  • Myrac™
  • Solodyn™.
     

Strengths of Minocycline

Minocycline comes in a number of strengths and will vary somewhat, depending on who makes the drug. For generic forms of the drug, strengths include:
 
  • Minocycline 50 mg
  • Minocycline 75 mg
  • Minocycline 100 mg.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;