Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: MINOCYCLINE (MIN-oh-SYE-kleen)
This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat inflammatory lesions of certain types of moderate to severe acne.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking acitretin, isotretinoin, methoxyflurane, or penicillin antibiotics. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you will be receiving a live typhoid vaccine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc), antacids, bismuth subsalicylate, digoxin, anticoagulants (such as warfarin), birth control pills, methotrexate, ergot derivatives (such as dihydroergotamine), or urinary alkalinizers (such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including an autoimmune disorder (such as lupus), kidney problems, liver problems, vision problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine in children under 8 years old is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. CERTAIN MEDICINES MAY BIND WITH MINOCYCLINE PREVENTING ITS FULL ABSORPTION. To avoid this problem take minocycline 2-3 hours before or after vitamins, minerals, antacids or other medicines containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc, bismuth salts. Also take minocycline 2-3 hours before urinary alkalinizers (such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate). THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH OR WITH FOOD. Taking this medicine with food may decrease your risk for esophagus irritation. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water. DO NOT LIE DOWN for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. TO CLEAR UP YOUR CONDITION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.. DO NOT take 2 doses at once. DO NOT TAKE more than one tablet in one day.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product, or to other tetracyclines (such as doxycycline). IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function, kidney function, and complete blood counts may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY AFFECT CERTAIN LAB TEST RESULTS. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. IF MODERATE TO SEVERE DIARRHEA OCCURS during or after treatment with this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not treat it with non-prescription (over-the-counter) medicines. THIS MEDICINE MAY COLOR THE SKIN, teeth, scars, or gums. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN may cause permanent discoloring of the teeth. Check with your doctor or dentist for more information. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. CAUTION SHOULD BE USED IN THE ELDERLY since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR MEN: Men who take this medicine should always use a condom when having sex with a woman who may become pregnant. Do this for as long as you use this medicine. FOR WOMEN: TAKING THIS MEDICINE while you are using birth control pills may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking this medicine. If you think you may be pregnant contact your doctor immediately. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking medicine include mild diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, nausea, stomach pain, or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience changes in the color of the skin, scars, or teeth; changes in the amount of urine produced; decreased hearing; persistent heartburn; vaginal irritation or discharge; severe or persistent headache with blurred vision; ringing in the ears; or a severe skin reaction to the sun. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bloody stools; fast or shallow breathing; joint aches; muscle pain or weakness; unusual weakness or fatigue; fever; yellowing of the eyes or skin; dark urine; severe or persistent diarrhea; unusual bruising or bleeding; severe stomach pain or cramps; or reddened, blistered or swollen skin. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
If your symptoms do not improve within 12 weeks or if they become worse, check with your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.