Minocin

Generic name: Minocycline hydrochloride

What is Minocin?

Minocin is a tetracycline-class antibiotic medicine. It is used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections, including: acne; amebic dysentery; anthrax (when penicillin cannot be used); cholera; gonorrhea (when penicillin cannot be used); plague; respiratory infections such as pneumonia; Rocky Mountain spotted fever; syphilis (when penicillin cannot be used); and urinary tract infections, rectal infections, and infections of the cervix caused by certain microbes.

What is the most important information I should know about Minocin?

Minocin may lead to permanent discoloration of the teeth if it is taken during early tooth development. Minocin should not be given to children under 8 years of age.

Minocin should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, you should take the entire prescribed therapy of Minocin. Do not stop taking Minocin even if you feel better or the signs/symptoms of your infection are clearing.

Who should not take Minocin?

You should not take Minocin if you are allergic to Minocin or other tetracycline antibiotics.

Do not take Minocin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Minocin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Minocin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have kidney or liver problems, are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual dosage of Minocin is 200 milligrams (mg) to start with, followed by 100 mg every 12 hours. If more frequent doses are necessary, two or four 50-mg capsules may be taken initially, followed by one 50 mg capsule 4 times daily.

The dosage and the length of time you take the drug can vary according to your condition and the specific infection.

Children over 8 years old: The usual dose is 4 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight, followed by 2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight every 12 hours, not to exceed the usual adult dose.

How should I take Minocin?

You should take Minocin at least 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. The extended-release form should be taken with food. To reduce throat irritation, take Minocin with plenty of fluids.

Take Minocin exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. Skipping doses or not taking all your Minocin may decrease the effectiveness of Minocin or increase the chance that bacteria will develop resistance to Minocin.

What should I avoid while taking Minocin?

You should avoid becoming pregnant or breastfeeding; taking antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; iron-containing products; and excessive exposure to sunlight.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Minocin?

If Minocin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Minocin with the following: an acne medicine called isotretinoin; antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium; blood-thinning medications; iron-containing products such as ferrous sulfate; methoxyflurane; migraine medicines called ergot alkaloids; oral birth control pills; and penicillin antibiotic medicines.

What are the possible side effects of Minocin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: bloody stools, blurred vision, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, joint pain, light-headedness, rash, stomach cramps, sun sensitivity, tiredness

Can I receive Minocin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Minocin should not be taken if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Minocin may cause harm to an unborn infant or developing child under the age of 8.

Tetracycline drugs, like Minocin, are excreted in breast milk. Your doctor may tell you to stop breastfeeding if Minocin is essential to your health.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Minocin?

Take it as soon as you remember, then evenly space out any remaining doses for that day. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

How should I store Minocin?

Minocin should be kept at room temperature, away from excessive heat, light, and moisture.