Minocycline Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (min-oh-SYE-kleen)
Minocycline Oral Uses
Minocycline is used to treat a wide variety of infections, including acne. This medication belongs to the class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.
This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
How To Use Minocycline Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet (available with some brands of this medication) provided by your pharmacist before you start using minocycline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Swallow this medication whole. Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Do not lie down for 30 minutes after taking this medication. For this reason, do not take it right before bedtime. You may take minocycline with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
Take this medication 2-3 hours before or after taking any medications containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include antacids, quinapril, certain forms of didanosine (chewable/dispersible buffered tablets or pediatric oral solution), vitamins/minerals, and sucralfate. Follow the same instructions if you also take bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. They bind with minocycline preventing its full absorption.
Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you have kidney disease, you should not take more than 200 milligrams per day.
Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.
Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
