USES: Minocycline is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections including acne.
HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Take each dose by mouth with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this drug. Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any medications containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (e.g. chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and antacids. Sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc are also included. These medications bind with minocycline preventing its full absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, headache or vomiting. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Minocycline increases sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen if needed. Very unlikely but report: fever, yellowing of the eyes or skin, stomach pain, sore throat, vision changes, mental changes. In those cases where this drug must be used for extended periods, blue-gray skin discoloration may occur. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney or liver problems, any allergies, trouble swallowing or esophagus problems (e.g., hiatal hernia, GERD). Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Minocycline may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This drug should not be used by children up to 8 years of age because its use may permanently discolor their teeth or cause other problems. Caution is advised in older children also. Minocycline is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug. Minocycline passes into breast milk and has had undesirable effects on nursing infants. Using this medication while breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc), quinapril, didanosine, antacids, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, penicillin-type antibiotics, isotretinoin, methoxyflurane, warfarin. This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other types of birth control. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.