Enca

Brand Name:Minocin, Apo-Minocycline, Gen-Minocycline, Novo-Minocycline, PMS-Minocycline, ratio-Minocycline, Sandoz Minocycline

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Minocycline is an antibiotic that is primarily used to treat acne and rosacea as well as infections caused by bacteria, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and infections of the bladder, prostate, stomach, ears, nose, skin, and throat.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to minocycline, doxycycline or tetracycline. Children younger than 13 years old should not take minocycline. Tell your doctor if are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding (safer alternatives may be available) or if you have or have ever had:
  • porphyria (blood disorder)
  • problems with your kidney or liver
  • esophagitis (a serious form of heartburn involving inflammation and irritation of the lower throat area)
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Always disclose your full medical history with the medical team that is taking care of you, in order for them to provide you with the safest and most effective care.

What about possible side effects?

This medication is usually well tolerated but you should be aware of some potential side effects. The following side effects are more common and can be quite bothersome, but unless they are severe, you should continue taking minocycline as prescribed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist to get advice on how to manage these side effects.
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • loss of appetite
  • stomach upset
  • lightheadedness or dizziness
  • vertigo (sensation that head is “spinning”)
  • drowsiness and fatigue
  • increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, including sun lamps
Other less common side effects include:
  • burning sensation in the throat or chest (see Special Instructions)
  • hearing problems or ringing in the ears
  • mild rash, itching
  • change in colour of nails, skin or teeth (higher risk with long term use)
Antibiotics may make you prone to oral thrush infections and vaginal yeast infections. Contact your doctor or pharmacist regarding treatments.

These side effects may be related to the dose, the use of other medications or other factors (e.g. older age, other medical conditions).  As well, some of these side effects may go away with time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects.  Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following more serious side effects:

  • difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • headache and blurry vision
  • hives all over the body or near the face and throat
  • itching all over the body
  • severe skin rash
  • swelling of the lips, face or tongue
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • wheezing
  • blood in the stool
  • yellowing of eyes or skin
  • unexplained sore throat, fever, chills
This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:
  • antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium (e.g. Gaviscon, Rolaids, Tums), sodium bicarbonate, calcium supplements (e.g. Caltrate, certain multivitamins), iron supplements (e.g. ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate, Slow-Fe, Palafer, certain multivitamins), kaolin/pectin laxatives, bismuth subsalicylate (e.g. Pepto Bismol), zinc sulfate, didanosine (Videx buffered formulation non-enteric coated) - these drugs may decrease the amount of minocycline that can get into the body; try to avoid use of these drugs together. If that is not possible, MUST take minocycline at least two  hours before or 6 hours after any of these medications.
  • cholestyramine, colestipol (e.g. Colestid), quinapril (e.g. Accupril, Accuretic) – these drugs may decrease the amount of minocycline that can get into the body. Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
  • typhoid vaccine e.g. Vivotif – wait at least 24 hours after stopping minocycline to vaccinate with the oral typhoid vaccine.
  • birth control pills – there have been case reports suggesting antibiotics may decrease how well your birth control pills work to prevent pregnancy. While this interaction is unlikely, for peace of mind, consider using an additional method of birth control (i.e. condom) for the rest of that cycle.
  • Penicillin antibiotics – minocycline could interfere with how well penicillins work
  • Isotretinoin (e.g. Accutane, Clarus) – may increase risk of serious side effects such as blurry vision and headache
  • methotrexate – starting minocycline or increasing the dose may increase risks of side effects from methotrexate
  • anticoagulants such as warfarin (e.g. Coumadin) – increased risk of bleeding problems
  • digoxin – increased risk of side effects from digoxin
  • dong quai, St John’s Wort – increased risk of skin reactions from direct sunlight
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

Special Instructions:

To lower risk of esophagitis (throat burning and irritation) you should take minocycline with a full glass of water and avoid lying down for at least 30-60 minutes afterward. Most times, esophagitis occurred when this medication was taken at bedtime with insufficient water.

Sun-Protection:  Since your skin may burn more easily while taking this medication, it is advised to limit exposure to the sun and avoid use of tanning lamps. If sun exposure is unavoidable, apply sunblock and wear protective clothing to decrease the chances of this happening. Sunblock should have at least an SPF 15 rating (Sun Protection Factor). Protective clothing includes light breathable cotton fabrics, including long-sleeved tops to protect the arms, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face, neck and ears.
 
Even though it has not been proven minocycline can interfere with how well the birth control pill works, due to the potential effects on the unborn child, consult with your doctor about ways to prevent pregnancy while taking minocycline.

Dietary precautions: Separate minocycline from calcium rich drinks or food (e.g. milk, cheese, yogurt) – 2 hours before or 6 hours after - as it may decrease the amount that gets into the body.

Minocycline may be taken with food to minimize the stomach-related side effects.

Children: Not typically recommended unless over 13 years of age. If used, there is a good chance for side effects that affect tooth colour and development. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: May be more sensitive to side effects but dose is usually the same.

Pregnancy: Not generally recommended due to potential effects on growth and risk of discolouration of bones and teeth in the unborn child.  Consult with your doctor about safer alternatives

Women who are nursing: Minocycline passes into breast milk and may affect infant’s bone growth and tooth colour. There have been case reports of breast milk turning black while using minocyline. Consult with your doctor about safer alternatives.

People who drive or operate machinery: Minocycline can cause dizziness and lightheadedness – do not  drive or operate machinery until  you  know how this drug affects you personally.

Alcohol: Should always be consumed in moderation as both minocycline and alcohol are processed by the liver.

Overdose: Taking a large dose could cause stomach pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue. If an overdose is suspected,  or if you experience any unusual reactions,  call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: Do not stop taking this drug without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling better. It is important to take all the medication you have been prescribed to ensure all the bacteria causing the infection has been removed from your body. Stopping the medication too soon may make the infection come back and this antibiotic may no longer work.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next dose is within six hours, take the missed dose and skip the next scheduled dose, then resume as prescribed on the bottle.  Do not take a double dose.
Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.