Minocycline, regular release (By mouth)

Introduction

Minocycline (min-oh-SYE-kleen)

Treats infections. This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic.

Brand Name(s)

Minocin, Minocin Kit, Dynacin

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach. Taking this medicine with food may lower your chances of getting irritation or ulcers in your esophagus (heartburn).
• Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• This medicine is not for long-term use.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a penicillin antibiotic (such as amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, Amoxil®, Augmentin®, Trimox®, Veetids®), isotretinoin (Accutane®, Amnesteem®), a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), antacids (such as Maalox®, Mylanta®), or any medicine containing aluminum, calcium, iron, or magnesium (such as multivitamins or mineral supplements).
• Birth control pills may not work as well while you are using minocycline. To keep from getting pregnant, use an additional form of birth control with your pills. Other forms include condoms, diaphragms, or a contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine. This medicine may affect the process of sperm cell formation in males.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, vision problems such as blurred vision, asthma, or if you are allergic to sulfites.
• If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

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, or red skin rash.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fever.
• Headache or blurred vision.
• Lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, or sudden and severe stomach pain.
• Red or black stools.
• Swollen tongue or trouble swallowing.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Change in skin, nail, tooth, or gum color.
• Dry mouth.
• Joint pain or muscle pain.
• Mild skin rash or itchiness.
• Mood changes.
• Tiredness or sleepiness.
• Trouble hearing or ringing in your ears.

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