Overview | Doxycycline | Minocycline | Erythromycin | Trimethoprim-sulfasoxaxole

Class: Antibiotic, tetracycline derivative.

Route: Usually given orally in pellet-filled capsules,

Typical Dosage: Minocycline is available in 50-mg and 100-mg capsules. The typical dosage for adults is 100mg once or twice a day. Minocycline has excellent absorption, therefore it may be taken with food even dairy products without affecting its efficacy.

Side Effects:

• Dizziness: This usually settles after a few days or when the dosage is lowered.
• Skin pigmentation: A reversible bluish darkening of the gums and / or skin can occur with long term use.
• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach
• Permanent tooth discoloration: A very rare irreversible blue darkening of the teeth has been reported.
• Photosensitivity: Appears to occur less often with minocycline.

Very rare side effects: Include severe headaches due to increased pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension), hypersensitivity reaction involving a hive like rash and swelling in the joints , drug induced hepatitis, and drug induced lupus

Special Notes: These medications should not be taken by children younger than 13 years of age because they can affect growth and stain teeth. They should also not be taken by a woman who is pregnant or breast feeding. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, minocycline can affect the development of the child’s bones and teeth, leading to skeletal defects.

Contraindications: Direct sun exposure should be avoided, and sun-protection should be used at all times when you are outdoors.

Mechanism of Action: After the drug is absorbed into your system, it begins working within an hour to start reducing gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial counts inside of your body which cause acne. It also has an anti-inflammatory action.

Special Precautions Before taking minocycline:

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to doxycycline, minocycline, tetracycline, sulfites (for doxycycline syrup only), or any other medications.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications. Minocycline decreases the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; another form of birth control should be used while taking this drug.
• Be aware that antacids, calcium supplements, iron products, and laxatives containing magnesium interfere with minocycline, making it less effective. Take minocycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids (including sodium bicarbonate), calcium supplements, and laxatives containing magnesium. Take minocycline 2 hours before or 3 hours after iron preparations and vitamin products that contain iron.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or kidney or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking minocycline, call your doctor immediately. Minocycline can harm the fetus.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking minocycline.
• Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Minocycline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.