Minocycline is used to treat acne, which is resistant to other antibiotics. It is also used to treat various other infections. Minocycline belongs to a group of antibiotics called tetracyclines. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Dosage

100 mg daily, given as a single dose or 50 mg twice daily. Duration of therapy varies depending upon response. Acne patients have been safely treated with minocycline for periods over 6 months.

Therapy should continue for at least 24 to 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

Contraindications

The following conditions are reasons not to take minocycline:

• patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the tetracycline antibiotics
• severe renal insufficiency
• pregnancy and lactation
• children under 12 years of age

Side Effects

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• dizziness, light-headedness, unsteadiness
• loss of appetite
• headaches
• rash or hives
• allergic reactions such as swelling of face or tongue
• difficulty in swallowing
• burning in the throat or food tube
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• infection by other bacteria or organisms resistant to MINOMYCIN (eg intestinal thrush)
• staining of skin, mouth, teeth or nails
• painful joints
• inflammation of the bowel
• blurred vision
• liver, kidney or blood disorders
• severe allergic reactions
• drug-induced hepatitis and acute liver failure

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not yet known.

Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if it is not on this list.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand anything in this list.

Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Storage

Keep Minocycline in a cool, dry place below 25°C (77°F).

Do not store it, or any other medicine, in a bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.

Keep your tablets in their container until it is time to take them. If you take the tablets out of their container they may not keep well.