Minocycline



Dynacin®; Minocin®; myrac™; Solodyn™







Minocycline

(mi noe SYE kleen)

U.S. Brand Names
Dynacin®; Minocin®; myrac™; Solodyn™
Canadian Brand Names
Alti-Minocycline; Apo-Minocycline®; Gen-Minocycline; Minocin®; Novo-Minocycline; PMS-Minocycline; Rhoxal-minocycline; Sandoz-Minocycline
Mexican Brand Names
Minocin®
Pharmacologic Category
Antibiotic, Tetracycline Derivative
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 8 years of age.
  • If you have an allergy to minocycline or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent or treat a variety of bacterial infections.
How does it work?
  • Minocycline works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
  • Stop tube feeding for 2 hours before giving this medicine. Restart tube feeding 1 hour after giving.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Do not take bismuth (Pepto-Bismol®), calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, multivitamins with minerals, colestipol, cholestyramine, or didanosine within 2 hours of this medicine.
  • Do not take antacids with this medicine.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Diarrhea. Yogurt, Bifidobacterium bifidum , or Lactobacillus acidophilus may help. These products are available at health food stores or in some pharmacies.
  • Sunburn.
  • For females, vaginal yeast infection. Report itching or discharge.
  • Ringing in ears.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Significant change in balance.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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