Minocycline

Authored by

Dr Muhammad Zeeshan Afzal

20 August 2024

What is Minocycline?

Minocycline is an antibiotic that can treat various bacterial infections, including moderate to severe acne. This broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic may also be prescribed for UTIs, inflammatory diseases and some sexually transmitted diseases.

Description

What is Minocycline?

It is a type of tetracycline antibiotic treating bacterial infections such as acne, pneumonia and bronchitis.

How does it work?

This prescription medication aims to prevent bacteria from growing and spreading in the body.

Is Minocycline suitable for me?

It is a useful medication as it is referred to as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and can be used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. Please consult a medical professional if you need a treatment with this antibiotic.

How to take Minocycline?

Always take Minocycline exactly as prescribed by your doctor or as advised by the pharmacist.

Minocycline is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Take 1 or 2 Minocycline tablets as prescribed and swallow them whole with water daily. Since the medicine's absorption may be affected, do not take it with food or with milk products.
Minocycline should not be taken right before lying down, take medicine while upright.
If you forget your daily dose, you can take it as soon as you remember but do not double dose. If you take more than the recommended amount, a feeling of sickness can occur, please contact a doctor immediately or visit a hospital.
Finish treatment as instructed, do not stop taking Minocycline before consulting your provider.
Since sensitive skin may occur, avoid ultraviolet light or strong sunlight when using Minocycline.

If unsure of how to take Minocycline or if you have further questions, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage

Your dosage is dependent on your doctor's recommendations and the extent of your condition.

Recommended Dosage for Minocycline

For general infections

200mg a day to be taken in divided doses

For acne

50mg twice a day for a minimum of six weeks

Warning and Precautions

Minocycline may not be safe if taken with other medication or recreational drugs. Please inform the prescriber if you are taking any of the listed medications.

DO NOT use Minocycline:

If you have serious issues with your kidneys.
If you have issues with your liver or you are taking other medications that can have an effect on your liver.
If you have myasthenia gravis or muscle weakness.
If you take Minocycline and experience the following, please contact the provider or visit the emergency department: fever, hair loss, joint pain, difficulty breathing, signs of liver damage, see a rash likely on the face, sides of tetracycline-resistant bacteria growth and head pressure increase.
If you notice your skin turning patchy and red, consult a doctor.
If breastfeeding, pregnant or believe to be pregnant, taking Minocycline is not recommended.

If unsure of how to take Minocycline or if you have further questions, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Please examine whether you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients. Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Rare Side Effects

Allergic reactions
Inflammation
Headaches
Sunlight sensitivity
Alopecia

Minocycline Patient Leaflet

To view the Minocycline Patient Leaflet click here.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Welzo does not endorse or sell the medication discussed, nor do we recommend using this information as a substitute for professional healthcare. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or medical treatment. Welzo assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.