Uses
Minocycline is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including acne. This medication belongs to the class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
How to use Dynacin Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet (available with some brands of this medication) provided by your pharmacist before you start using minocycline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Swallow this medication whole. Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. For this reason, do not take it right before bedtime. You may take minocycline with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any medications containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include antacids, quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and sucralfate. Follow the same instructions if you also take bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. They bind with minocycline preventing its full absorption.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you have kidney disease, you should not take more than 200 milligrams per day.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.
Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, dizziness, unsteadiness, drowsiness, mouth sores, or cough may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: sunburn (sun sensitivity), muscle pain, difficult or painful swallowing, change in the amount of urine, pink urine, brown/gray tooth discoloration, blue/gray/brown discoloration of the skin/lips/tongue/gums, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, unusual fatigue, new signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: hearing changes (e.g., ringing in the ears, decreased hearing), easy bruising/bleeding, headache, vision changes (e.g., blurred vision).
This medication may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool.
Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection (oral or vaginal fungal infection). Contact your doctor if you notice white patches in your mouth, a change in vaginal discharge or other new symptoms.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, skin lesions/sores, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing, new or worsening swelling/pain in the joints, swollen glands, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking minocycline, te
