Drug Notes

Minocycline, regular release (By mouth)

Minocycline (min-oh-SYE-kleen)

Treats infections. This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Minocin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Swallow this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.
• Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid .

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how minocycline works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Isotretinoin, penicillin
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • Ergot medicines
  • Medicine that contains aluminum, calcium, iron, or magnesium (including an antacid or vitamin supplement)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well while you are using this medicine. Use a second form of birth control until your treatment ends.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, or an allergy to sulfites.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Permanent change in tooth color (in children younger than 8 years old)
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heart
  • Intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Joint pain, fever, rash, unusual tiredness or weakness
• Headache, vision changes, blurred vision
• Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps
• Swollen glands in the armpits, neck, or groin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Darkening of your skin, teeth, or gums
• Mild diarrhea

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017