Minocycline

• Minocycline is used to treat a wide variety of infections. It may also be used along with other medications to treat severe acne.
• This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as tetracycline antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
• This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections like the common cold or flu. Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lightheadedness, dizziness or a feeling of spinning may occur. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your medical provider right away.
• This product can cause skin hyperpigmentation, including nails, face, arms, legs, around scars and staining of the teeth.
• This product can cause an immune response of the body that can affect the liver or cause meningitis, myocarditis (inflammation around the heart), inflammation of the lungs, diabetes, thyroid abnormalities and inflammation of blood vessels/poor blood flow.

• This product can cause liver damage. Seek help for symptoms of liver problems, such as:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach/abdominal pain,
  • Yellowing eyes/skin
  • Dark urine
• Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects.

• Tell your medical provider right away if you experience any serious side effects, including:

  • Painful or difficult swallowing
  • Hearing changes, such as ringing in the ears or decreased hearing
  • Joint stiffness, pain or swelling
  • Signs of kidney problems like change in amount of urine or pink or dark urine

• Minocycline may, in rare cases, cause increased pressure around the brain, also called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), i.e., pseudotumor cerebri. The risk of IIH is greater for women of childbearing age who are overweight or who have had it in the past. If IIH develops, it usually goes away after Minocycline is stopped. However, there is a chance of permanent vision loss or blindness. Get medical help right away if you experience:

  • New, severe or lasting headache
  • Vision changes, such as blurred/double vision, decreased vision or sudden blindness
  • Nausea or vomiting that doesn't stop
• In rare cases, this medication may cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped. Tell your medical provider right away if you develop diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping or blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products, as they may make symptoms worse.
• Use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in oral thrush or a new yeast infection. Contact your medical provider 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 rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • Fever that doesn't go away
  • New or worsening lymph node swelling
  • Rash
  • Itching or swelling, especially of the face/tongue/throat
  • Severe dizziness
  • Trouble breathing

• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Before taking Minocycline, tell your medical provider if you are allergic to it, other tetracyclines (such as Doxycycline) or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Go to your patient dashboard to request a callback for more details.

• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider your medical history, especially of:

  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), i.e., pseudotumor cerebri
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Esophagus problems, such as hiatal hernia or reflux/heartburn
• This drug may make you dizzy, which can be exacerbated by alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not drive, use machinery or do anything that requires alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your medical provider if you are using marijuana.
• This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your medical provider right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
• Minocycline may reduce the effect of live bacterial vaccines such as typhoid vaccine. Tell your medical provider that you are using Minocycline before having any immunizations or vaccinations.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs and herbal products.
• Children younger than 8 years may be more sensitive to the side effects of Minocycline, especially tooth discoloration. Tooth discoloration has also occurred in older children and young adults. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your medical provider.
• Tell your medical provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using Minocycline, as it may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your medical provider right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
• This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your medical provider before breastfeeding.

• Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions.
• Keep a list of all the products you use—including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products—and share it with your medical providers.
• Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without your medical provider's approval.
• This medication could decrease the therapeutic effect of some vaccines, such as Typhoid, Cholera and BCG.
• When taking this medication, avoid use with the following medications: Mecamylamine (Inversine), Sucroferric oxyhydroxide (Velphoro), Aminolevulinic acid (Ameluz, Levulan Kerastick).
• Retinoid medications taken by mouth (such as Acitretin and Isotretinoin) and Strontium may interact with this drug.
• This medication may interfere with certain lab tests—for example, urine catecholamine levels—possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your medical providers know you use this drug.
• This medication can interfere with Warfarin and cause an increase in INR level.
• This medication can interfere with certain diabetic medication and cause a drop in glucose.

If someone has overdosed and is experiencing serious symptoms—such as passing out or trouble breathing—call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

• Do not share this medication with others.
• This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your medical provider tells you to.
• If you are taking this medication for a longer time, lab and/or medical tests—such as complete blood count or kidney/liver function—may be performed while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Taking expired Minocycline can cause serious illness. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more information.