Generic
Minocycline
3 brands available in the market
At a glance
Minocycline is an antibiotic used for the treatment of bacterial infections acne and some sexually transmitted diseases.
Description
Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits protein synthesis by binding to 30S and possibly 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria.
Indications
- Acne
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Respiratory tract infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Meningococcal carrier prophylaxis
Therapeutic class
Tetracycline group of drugs
Pharmacological class
Antibiotic
Pharmacology
Minocycline inhibits protein synthesis by binding to 30S ribosomal subunits of bacteria.
Mechanism of action
Kills bacteria by inhibiting protein synthesis.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- General Infections: 200 mg/day (in divided doses)
- Acne: 50 mg twice daily or 100 mg once daily
- Meningococcal Carrier: 100 mg twice daily (5 days)
- Gonorrhea: Initial 200 mg then 100 mg 12 hourly (4 days)
Child Dose (>8 years): Initial 4 mg/kg then 2 mg/kg 12 hourly
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Swallow tablet whole
- Take at the same time each day
- Complete full course of treatment
Missed dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember; skip if its almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache and dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Photosensitivity
- Pruritus
- Skin discoloration
Precautions & warnings
- Caution while driving (may cause dizziness)
- Avoid sunlight exposure
- Do not use in children under 8 years
- Contraindicated in pregnancy
- Caution in hepatic and renal impairment
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Complete renal failure
- Children under 12 years
Drug interactions
- Antacids and Calcium-containing drugs: Reduced absorption
- Oral Contraceptives: Decreased effectiveness
- Penicillins: Interferes with bactericidal action
- Anticoagulants: Increased effect
- Methoxyflurane: Fatal renal toxicity
Food interactions
Caution advised when consuming alcohol with Minocycline.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe. Evidence of harmful effects on developing baby.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe. Does not pass into breast milk in significant amounts.
Pediatric use
Not recommended for children under 8 years.
Geriatric use
No specific dose adjustment for elderly but caution advised.
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution and dose adjustment needed in severe renal disease.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution and dose adjustment needed in liver disease.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause dizziness nausea and vomiting. Gastric lavage and supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place protected from light below 25°C.
Chemical structure
Minocycline