How it works
Minocycline interferes with the production of proteins and enzymes needed for the survival of the disease causing bacteria. This in turn allows the body’s defense mechanism to eliminate the bacteria.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Minocycline may be used with or without food.
People who are using bismuth salts (eg, bismuth subsalicylate), calcium salts (eg, calcium carbonate), colestipol, iron salts (eg, iron sulfate), magnesium, urinary alkalinizers (eg, daily antacids), sucralfate, vitamins/minerals, quinapril, didanosine, or zinc salts (eg, zinc sulfate, should not use Minocycline for at least 2 hours before and after taking these.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Minocycline?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
liver disease;
kidney disease;
asthma or sulfite allergy
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Minocycline if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or
You are taking acitretin, an aluminum salt (e.g., aluminum carbonate), isotretinoin, methoxyflurane, or a penicillin
Using Alcohol
Minocycline is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Minocycline.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Minocycline is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.
Additional Information
Minocycline is an antibiotic that is effective only in the treatment of bacterial infections. It will not be effective against viral infections like cough and cold. Antibiotic treatment must be monitored closely by doctors because prolonged treatment increases the resistance of the bacteria against Minocycline. A future bacterial infection becomes severe and difficult to treat.
Minocycline can cause you to sunburn easily so avoid venturing out in the sun without proper protection.
It may reduce the effectiveness of birth control medications. So if you are a woman, then discuss the possible risks and also about using multiple forms of birth control while using Minocycline.
If your doctor has prescribed Minocyclcine for treating gonorrhea, then ensure that you do not have Syphillis.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Minocycline is categorized under FDA pregnancy category D. It can cause severe damage to the fetus.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
