This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Minocycline Consumer Information
MINOCYCLINE
Generic Name: minocycline (mih noe SYE kleen)
Brand Names: Dynacin, Minocin, Vectrin
What is the most important information I should know 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. Minocycline can cause permanent tooth discoloration and adversely affect growth.
- Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or 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 while taking minocycline to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Minocycline may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
What is minocycline?
- Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.
- Minocycline is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and others.
- Minocycline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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 be harmful to 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 or could become pregnant during treatment.
- 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 I 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 (Minocin, Vectrin) may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Milk and other dairy products should be avoided, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, as they may decrease the absorption of minocycline. Instructions regarding minocycline use may vary by manufacturer. If you need to take minocycline with milk, talk to your pharmacist to verify if your particular prescription should be taken with dairy products.
- 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.
- It is important to take minocycline regularly to get the most benefit.
- 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 label. Expired minocycline can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a minocycline overdose include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What should I avoid while taking minocycline?
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Minocycline may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when 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.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Minocycline may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.
- 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.
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