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 bacterial infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. It is not effective for treating infections caused by viruses.
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. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water. DO NOT LIE DOWN for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk unless otherwise directed. This medicine is sometimes taken with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. However, certain medicines, food, and milk may bind with minocycline preventing its full absorption. To avoid this problem take minocycline 2-3 hours before or after taking any food, milk, or medicines containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, antacids, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. 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.
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. 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 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. MILD DIARRHEA IS COMMON WITH ANTIBIOTIC USE. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN may cause permanent discoloring of the teeth. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. This includes any medicines that contain bismuth. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of 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. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, mild diarrhea, dizziness, indigestion, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or ringing in the ears. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vaginal irritation or discharge, or unusual tiredness or weakness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fever; a change in the amount of urine; headache; blurred vision; joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; muscle pain or weakness; seizures; yellowing of the skin or eyes; severe stomach pain or cramps; bloody stools; severe diarrhea; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; or severe or persistent headache. 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.
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 and pets.
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