Chemical Name: MINOCYCLINE


Common uses

This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. This medicine is not effective treating infections caused by viruses.

Before using

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking penicillin antibiotics. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc), quinapril, didanosine, antacids, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, digoxin, anticoagulants, or birth control pills. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Use of this medicine in children under 8 years old is not recommended. Please talk with your doctor about risks and benefits before giving this medicine to your child.

Directions

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.

Cautions

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.

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.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, 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, headache and/or blurred vision, or a severe skin reaction to the sun. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

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.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. 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.