Brand Name: Minocin
Generic name: Minocycline hydrochloride
Other brand name: Dynacin
Side Effects
as published in the "Physician's Desk Reference Guide to Prescription
Drugs"
Why is this drug prescribed?
Minocin is a form of the antibiotic tetracycline. It is given to help treat many different
kinds of infection, including:
Acne
Amebic dysentery
Anthrax (a rare skin infection)
Cholera
Gonorrhea (when penicillin cannot be given)
Plague
Respiratory infections such as pneumonia
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Syphilis (when penicillin cannot be given)
Urinary tract infections caused by certain microbes
Most important fact about this drug
To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking Minocin for the full
time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Minocin,
like other antibiotics, works best when there is a
constant amount in the body. To help keep the level constant, take the doses
at evenly spaced times around the clock.
How should you take this medication?
You may take the capsules with or without food. Take Minocin exactly as directed.
Your doctor will prescribe it for a specific number of days according to the
condition you are being treated for; keep
taking the medication until you have used it all up. To reduce the risk of throat
irritation, take the capsule form of Minocin with plenty of fluids. You should
avoid use of antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, such as
Maalox and Mylanta, and iron preparations such as Feosol. If you must take these
medicines, take them 2 to 3 hours before or after taking Minocin.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember, then space out evenly any remaining doses for
that day. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform
your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe
for you to continue taking Minocin.
Side effects may include:
Aching, inflamed joints, anal or genital sores with fungus infection, anaphylaxis
(life-threatening allergic reaction), anemia, appetite loss, blurry vision,
bulging of soft spots in infants' heads,
decreased hearing, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, discoloration of children's
teeth, fever, fluid retention, headache, hepatitis, hives, inflammation of the
penis, inflammation of the intestines,
inflammation of the tongue, joint pain, liver failure, nausea, rash, sensitivity
to light, skin coloration, skin eruptions, skin inflammation and peeling, throat
irritation, thyroid gland problems, vomiting
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
Do not take Minocin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to any
other tetracycline antibiotic. Although Minocin may be given to kill meningococcal
(spinal) bacteria in people who are carriers, it should not be given to treat
actual meningococcal meningitis (inflammation in the spinal canal). Minocin
is not a first-choice drug for treating any staphylococcal (staph) infection.
Special warnings about this medication
If you have a kidney problem, a normal dose of Minocin may amount to an overdose
for you. It is likely that you will need a lower-than-average dosage; if you
need to take Minocin for an extended
period of time, your doctor may order frequent blood tests to make sure you
are not getting too much of the drug.
Because Minocin may make you dizzy or light-headed or cause a whirling feeling,
do not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you know how the medication
affects you.
Minocin should not be given to children 8 years old or younger, since it may
cause discoloration of the teeth. Occasionally, Minocin has also caused tooth
discoloration in adults.
Like other tetracycline antibiotics, Minocin may cause a sensitivity to light,
and you may sunburn very easily. Becareful in sun and under sunlamps. If your
skin turns red and hot, stop taking Minocin immediately.
While taking Minocin you may be especially susceptible to fungus infections
such as vaginal yeast infection. If you do get a fungus infection, check with
your doctor immediately.
If you get a headache and blurry vision while taking Minocin, or if an infant
receiving Minocin develops bulging of the "soft spots" (fontanels)
on the head, this could mean that the drug is causing a buildup of fluid within
the skull. It is important to stop taking Minocin and see a doctor immediately.