Cynocap

Indications

Minocycline is a tetracycline-type antibiotic. It is used for moderate to severe acne, and for a range of bacterial infections, including some chest, urinary, skin and soft tissue infections, certain sexually transmitted infections, and some less common infections. In some cases it is used to clear meningococcal bacteria carried in the throat.

How It Works

Minocycline stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply by blocking their ribosomes (the protein-building machinery). This holds back the infection so the immune system can clear it. In acne it also reduces the bacteria in hair follicles and has an anti-inflammatory effect that calms red, swollen spots.

Dosage and Administration

Take as prescribed by your doctor. For most infections in adults, the usual dose is 200 mg at first, then 100 mg every 12 hours. For acne, a common dose is 100 mg once a day or 50 mg twice a day, usually for at least 6 to 12 weeks. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with a full glass of water while sitting or standing, and do not lie down for at least 30 minutes afterwards. It can be taken with or without food. Complete the full course.

Interactions

• Antacids, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and bismuth products reduce absorption; take them at least 2 to 3 hours apart.
• Isotretinoin and other oral retinoids: increased risk of raised pressure in the skull; do not combine.
• Warfarin: effect may be increased; blood tests may be needed.
• Penicillins: minocycline may reduce their effect.
• Methoxyflurane (an anaesthetic): risk of kidney damage.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Minocycline or any tetracycline.
• Pregnancy.
• Children under 12 years (it can permanently stain developing teeth).
• Severe kidney failure (for some products), or systemic lupus erythematosus.

Side Effects

Common side effects include dizziness or a spinning feeling (vertigo), headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. With long-term use it can cause blue-grey or brown discoloration of the skin, nails, teeth, gums, scars or eyes. Rare but serious effects include lupus-like illness, autoimmune hepatitis, raised pressure in the skull, severe skin reactions and a drug reaction with fever and swollen glands.

Get urgent medical help if you have severe headache with blurred or double vision, a widespread rash with fever or blistering, swollen glands, joint pain with fever, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe or bloody diarrhoea, or swelling of the face and difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Minocycline should not be used during pregnancy because it can affect the baby's bones and teeth and may harm the mother's liver. It passes into breast milk and can affect the baby's developing teeth and bones, so it is usually avoided while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

• Dizziness may affect driving or operating machinery.
• Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds; use sunscreen.
• Use with care in liver or kidney disease and in myasthenia gravis.
• For long courses, the doctor may check liver tests and look for skin pigmentation.
• It may reduce the effect of hormonal contraceptives in some cases; ask your doctor.

Overdose

Overdose may cause dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Contact a doctor or go to the nearest hospital straight away.

Therapeutic Class

Antibiotic, tetracycline group.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.