Brand names Aknemin, Blemix, Cyclomin, Minocin MR, Minogal .Used in the following combined preparations None
Although minocycline is a member of the tetracycline group of antibiotics, it has a substantially longer duration of action than tetracycline itself. The drug is most commonly used to treat acne.
Minocycline may be prescribed to treat pneumonia or to prevent infection in people with chronic bronchitis. The drug is also given for the treatment of gonorrhea as well as non-gonococcal urethritis, and may be used to treat other sexually transmitted diseases. This drug’s most frequent side effects are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It also interferes with the functioning of the balance mechanism in the inner ear, with resultant nausea, dizziness, and unsteadiness, but these symptoms generally disappear after the drug is stopped. Minocycline is not prescribed for people with poor kidney function.
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets and capsules.
1-2 x daily.
Adults 100-200mg daily.
Children Reduced dose according to age
and weight.
4-12 hours.
Up to 24 hours.
Milk products may impair absorption; avoid from 1 hour before to 2 hours after dosage.
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry, well- secured place out of the reach of children.
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 4 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Use the full course. Even if you feel better, the original infection may still be present and symptoms may recur if treatment is stopped too soon.
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to be a cause for concern. But if you notice any unusual symptoms, or if a large overdose has been taken, notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Minocycline may occasionally cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Other less common adverse effects are rashes, an increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and, in some cases, dizziness and loss of balance (vertigo).
| Symptom/effect | Frequency
Common |
Rare | Discus, doctor
Only if severe |
with
In all cases |
Stop taking drug now | Call
doctor now |
| Nausea/vomiting/diarrhoea | • | ■ | ||||
| Dizziness/vertigo | • | ■ | ▲ | |||
| Rash/itching | • | ■ | ▲ | |||
| Light-sensitive rash | • | ■ | A |
INTERACTIONS
Oral anticoagulants Minocycline may increase the anticoagulant action of these drugs.
Penicillin antibiotics Minocycline interferes with the antibacterial action of these drugs.
Oral contraceptives Minocycline can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
Iron may interfere with the absorption of minocycline and may reduce its effectiveness.
Antacids interfere with the absorption of minocycline and may reduce its effectiveness.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Tetracycline antibiotic
Overdose danger rating Low
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to ten your doctor if:
▼ You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
▼ You have previously suffered an allergic reaction to a tetracycline antibiotic.
▼ You are taking other medications.
▼ Not prescribed. May damage the teeth and bones of the developing baby, as well as the mother’s liver. Discuss with your doctor.
▼ The drug passes into the breast milk and may lead to discoloration of the baby’s teeth. Discuss with your doctor.
Not recommended under 13 years. Reduced dose necessary in older children.
▼ No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
▼ Avoid such activities until you have learned how minocycline affects you because the drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
Alcohol
▼ No known problems.
▼ To prevent retention in the oesophagus, a small amount of water should be taken before, and a full glass of water taken after, each dose of minocycline. Take this medication while sitting or standing and do not lie down immediately afterwards.
PROLONGED USE
No problems expected.
with
Categories
- ACE inhibitor
- Alcohol abuse deterrent
- Analgesic
- Anti-angina drug
- Anti-arrhythmic drug
- Anti-ulcer drug
- Antibacterial
- Anticancer drug
- Anticholinergic drug
- Anticoagulant
- Anticonvulsant
- Antidepressant
- Antidiabetes drugs
- Antidiarrhoeal drug
- Antifungal drug
- Antihistamine anti-emetic drug
- Antihistamine drug
- Antihypertensive drug
- Antiinflammatory drug
- Antimalarial drug
- Antipsychotic
- Antispasmodic drug
- Antituberculous drugs
- Antiviral Drug
- Appetite Suppressants
- Blood stimulant
- Bone Disorders
- Bronchodilator and decongestant
- Contraceptives
- Corticosteroid
- Cough suppressant
- Drug for acne
- Drug for infertility
- Drug for Migraine
- Drug for myasthenia
- Drug for parkinsonism
- Drug for psoriasis
- Drug for Stop Smoking
- Drugs for sleep
- Drugs to treat skin parasites
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- Female sex hormone
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