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Minocycline

Minocycline Hydrochloride (active ingredients) Pronounced - mi noe sye' kleen
Dynacin ®, Minocin ®, (brand names)

Minocycline is used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; acne; and infections of skin, genital, and urinary systems, and sometimes prescribed for other uses. It can also be used to eliminate bacteria from your nose and throat that may cause meningitis (swelling of tissues around the brain) in others, even though you may not have an infection. Minocycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

Minocycline comes as a regular capsule, a pellet-filled capsule, and a tablet, to take by mouth.

If you have diabetes, minocycline can cause false results in some tests for sugar in the urine. Check with your doctor before changing your diet or the dosage of your diabetes medicine. Minocycline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.


IMPORTANT WARNING:
Minocycline may cause permanent teeth staining in a *fetus, in babies or young children. Minocycline should not be used in children under age 14 unless your doctor decides it is needed.

Side Effects
Minocycline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • Itching of the rectum or vagina
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Furry darkening or black discoloration of the tongue
  • Redness of the skin (sunburn)
  • Changes in skin color
  • Hearing loss or ringing in your ears

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • Severe headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Skin rash
  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Itching
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Light-colored bowel movements
  • Loss of appetite
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Extreme tiredness or weakness
  • Confusion
  • Joint stiffness or swelling
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Decreased urination
  • Pain or discomfort in the mouth
  • Throat sores
  • Fever or chills

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html or by phone 1-800-332-1088.



Glossary For This Page

*Fetus
Unborn baby in the mothers womb.


References:
National Library of Medicine (NLM)
October 2005
http://medlineplus.gov

This summary does not include everything there is to know about the medicine mentioned above. Do not use this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. Side effects other than those listed above may occur. This medicine may be prescribed for other uses. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.