Minocycline is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the lung, skin, genitals and bladder. It is also used to treat acne, brain infection and sexually-transmitted diseases (STD).
Take Minocycline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take it after meals if you experience any gastric discomfort.
If you are using the pellet-filled capsules, swallow it whole with water and do not chew, crush or divide it.
Take Minocycline with a full glass of plain water. Take it in a sitting or standing position. Do not take it while lying down and do not lie down for at least half an hour after swallowing it.
Minocycline must be taken at regular intervals for it to be effective. Continue to take this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of antibiotic. If you don't, the infection will not clear completely.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you ever had an allergic reaction (breathlessness, rashes, swollen eyes) to similar antibiotics such as doxycycline, lymecycline, oxytetracycline and tetracycline.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- allergic condition which causes joint pain, skin rashes and fever also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are being treated with Minocycline for STD, you should follow your doctor's advice on ways to prevent passing the disease to others. You should also avoid sexual contact until the doctor certifies that you are cleared of the infection.
Minocycline may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, & stomach discomfort, ringing in the ears, tiredness and headache. These side effects are usually temporary. If you have diarrhoea, drink lots of water to replace the fluids lost. However, if you have severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea with severe stomach cramps or bloody stools, alert your doctor.
This medicine may also cause discoloration of teeth, tongue, lip, and gum in children (below 12 years of age) and in adults. Discuss with your doctor if you are concern with this side effect.
Minocycline may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid direct and prolonged exposure to the sun and other forms of ultraviolet (UV) light like tanning beds or sun lamps.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes, stop the medicine and inform your doctor quickly. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- rashes with skin peeling or blisters
- pain when swallowing, chest pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. penicillin
- medicines for heart disease or high blood pressure e.g. furosemide, indapamide
- warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Minocycline.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids containing aluminium, calcium or magnesium as well as multivitamins and minerals containing calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. These medicines may reduce the effectiveness of Minocycline. If you must take these medicines, take Minocycline at least 2 hours before or after these medicines.
Inform your doctor if you are taking birth control pills during treatment for acne. Minocycline may decrease its effectiveness. You may wish to discuss additional birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription
Avoid alcohol.
Do not take Minocycline with dairy products (for example milk, cheese, yoghurt or ice-cream) as they could reduce the effectiveness of Minocycline. Take Minocycline at least 2 hours before or after you have taken any dairy products.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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