Minocyclineis a tetracycline-type antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria. It treats a wide variety of infections and diseases.
Written by Stephanie Nera, RPh, PharmD · Pharmacology
Minocyclineis a tetracycline-type antibiotic that stops the growth of bacteria. It treats a wide variety of infections and diseases.
Minocycline is only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. All antibiotics are only available with a doctor’s prescription.
For oral tablets or capsules, swallow the dose whole without chewing or crushing it. Take it with or without food. Do not eat or drink food that contains iron, calcium, or other similar minerals (e.g. milk, dairy products).
Parenteral (e.g. IV) dosage forms should be administered by licensed healthcare professionals.
This product is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.
There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:
This drug is pregnancy risk category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is evidence that tetracyclines, like minocycline, can affect the growth of fetuses and young children. Do not take this medication unless your doctor prescribes it.
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:
Seek medical attention if you experience these potentially fatal effects:
However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.
This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Do not eat food that is rich in iron or calcium, as it can bind with minocycline and reduce its availability. Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol as it can decrease its half-life. Also, avoid drinking caffeine.
Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
Susceptible Bacterial Infections
Intravenous
Initially, 200 mg followed by 100 mg twice a day. Max: 400 mg/day.
Oral
200 mg daily in divided doses.
Mycobacterium marinum infections
Take 100 mg twice a day for 6-8 weeks.
Asymptomatic meningococcal carriers
Take 100 mg 12 twice a day for 5 days, followed by a course of rifampicin.
Acne
Take 50 mg twice a day or 100 mg once daily. ≥45 kg body weight: 1 mg/kg once daily as modified-release preparation.
Syphilis
Take 200 mg initially, followed by 100 mg twice a day for 10-15 days.
Nongonococcal urethritis
Take 100 mg twice a day for at least 7 days.
Uncomplicated gonorrhea
Initially, take 200 mg followed by 100 mg twice a day for a min of 4 days. Follow-up cultures should be done within 2-3 days after completing therapy.
Uncomplicated urethral gonorrhea (in men)
Take 100 mg twice a day for 5 days.
Periodontitis
As extended-release powder:
Insert the unit-dose cartridge subgingivally into the base of periodontal pocket as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Each cartridge contains 1 mg of minocycline. This should be done by a dental healthcare provider and is not meant for self administration.
Susceptible Bacterial Infections
Intravenously
For children older than 8 years, give 4 mg per kg of body weight, then 2 mg per kg every 12 hours (not to exceed the normal adult dose).
Not recommended for use in children under the age of 8 years. Tetracyclines may cause permanent damage to bones and discolor teeth.
Minocycline is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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