Minocycline

What is Minocycline

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in your body.

Minocycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, among others.

Minocycline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Minocycline

Take all of the Minocycline that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Children younger than 8 years of age should not take Minocycline. It can cause permanent tooth discoloration, and it can affect growth.

Avoid taking multivitamins, iron supplements, antacids, and laxatives within 2 hours of taking Minocycline. These products may decrease the effectiveness of Minocycline.

Minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Minocycline.

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Minocycline may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Who should not take Minocycline

Before taking Minocycline, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to take Minocycline, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy.

Minocycline is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. Minocycline may affect bone and tooth development in the developing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

Minocycline passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Children younger than 8 years of age should not take Minocycline. It can cause permanent tooth discoloration, and it can affect growth.

How should take Minocycline

Take Minocycline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces).

Minocycline may be taken on an empty stomach or with food or milk.

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Minocycline. These products may reduce the effectiveness of Minocycline.

Take all of the Minocycline that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

Throw away any unused Minocycline when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any Minocycline after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired Minocycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Minocycline overdose include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Avoid while taking Minocycline

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Minocycline increases the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Minocycline. These products may reduce the effectiveness of Minocycline.

Possible side effects of Minocycline

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Minocycline and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, face, or tongue, difficulty breathing);
- a severe headache;
- vision changes;
- confusion;
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue);
- blood problems (fever, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding); or
- genital sores or itching.

If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue to take Minocycline and talk to your doctor:
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite;
- dizziness or lightheadedness;
- sensitivity to the sun;
- dark "furry" tongue, black tongue, or swollen tongue; or
- vaginal yeast infection.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Minocycline

Do not take the following drugs within 2 hours of taking Minocycline because they may decrease its effectiveness:
- cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);
- antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium such as Tums or Rolaids;
- bismuth subsalicylate in products such as Pepto-Bismol; or
- minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, which are found in dairy products (milk, cheese, etc.), and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements.

Before taking Minocycline, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- an anticoagulant such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
- another antibiotic.

You may not be able to take Minocycline, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.