What is minocycline? What is minocycline used for?
Minocycline immediate-release tablets and capsules are used for infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia, Chlamydia trachomatis, Borrelia recurrentis, Yersinia pestis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Shigella species, Acinetobacter species, respiratory tract infections caused by Haemophilus influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae, and respiratory tract and urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella species. Minocycline extended-release tablets are used to treat inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris. Minocycline is used for treating Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus and other infections caused by the typhus group of bacteria, Q fever, rickettsialpox and tick fevers caused by rickettsiae.
What brand names are available for minocycline?
Dynacin, Minocin, Solodyn
Is minocycline available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for minocycline?
Yes
What are the side effects of minocycline?
Side effects of minocycline are:
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- headache,
- fatigue,
- dizziness,
- itching,
- photosensitivity,
- tooth discoloration, and
- reduced bone development in children.
What is the dosage for minocycline?
Adults (immediate-release tablets and capsules): The recommended dose for
minocycline is: 200 mg initially, followed by 100 mg every 12 hours. If more
frequent doses are preferred, then two or four 50 mg capsules initially,
followed by 500 mg 4 times a day.
Children 8 years of age and older (immediate-release tablets and capsules):
The recommended dose of minocycline is: 4 mg/kg initially, followed by 2 mg/kg
every 12 hours, not to exceed the usual adult dose.
Adults and children 12 years of age and older (extended-release tablets): The
recommended dose for minocycline is: Approximately 1 mg/kg by mouth once daily
for up to 12 weeks for the treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular acne
vulgaris.
Safe and effective use of minocycline is not established for children under
the age of 8.
Which drugs or supplements interact with minocycline?
Minocycline should be used with caution
with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin (Coumadin) because it increases
the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium and iron-containing
medications can bind with minocycline, delay the absorption, and reduce the
effectiveness of minocycline.
Minocycline should be used with caution with
oral contraceptives because it
may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
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Is minocycline safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Minocycline should be avoided in pregnant women
because it crosses the placenta and may cause fetal harm.
Minocycline is excreted in human milk, and
there is potential for serious adverse effects involving the development of
teeth and bones in nursing infants. A decision should be made to discontinue
medication or stop nursing, taking into account the importance of the drug to
the mother.
What else should I know about minocycline?
What preparations of minocycline are available?
Tablets and Capsules: 50, 75, and 100 mg.
Tablets (Extended Release): 45, 55, 65, 80, 90, 105, 115, and 135 mg. Injection:
100 mg/ vial.
How should I keep minocycline stored?
Minocycline immediate-release tablets and capsules
should be stored between 20 C-25 C (68 F-77 F). Minocycline extended-release
tablets should be stored between 15 C -30 C (59 F-86 F).