Minocycline is used to treat bacterial infections including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; acne; and infections of skin, genital, and urinary systems. It can also be used to eliminate bacteria from your nose and throat that may cause meningitis (swelling of tissues around the brain) in others, even though you may not have an infection. Minocycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.
Minocycline comes as a regular capsule, a pellet-filled capsule, and a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day (every 12 hours) but may be taken up to four times a day. Minocycline should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Drink a full glass of water with each dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take minocycline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not break, crush, or chew the regular or pellet-filled capsules; swallow them whole.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
itching of the rectum or vagina
diarrhea
dizziness or lightheadedness
furry darkening or black discoloration of the tongue
redness of the skin (sunburn)
changes in skin color
hearing loss or ringing in your ears
severe headache
blurred vision
skin rash
hives
difficulty breathing or swallowing
yellowing of the skin or eyes
itching
dark-colored urine
light-colored bowel movements
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
extreme tiredness or weakness
confusion
joint stiffness or swelling
unusual bleeding or bruising
decreased urination
pain or discomfort in the mouth
throat sores
fever or chills
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
dizziness
nausea
vomiting
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to minocycline.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking minocycline.
If you have diabetes, minocycline can cause false results in some tests for sugar in the urine. Check with your doctor before changing your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medicine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the minocycline, call your doctor.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.