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
This medication is used to treat moderate to severe acne in patients 12 years of age and older. It helps to reduce the number of pimples. Minocycline belongs to the class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria that may worsen acne.
This antibiotic is approved to treat acne that is thought to be caused by a bacterial infection. 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 provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects. 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 this medication with food or milk to lower the chance of irritating the esophagus and stomach 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, weight, and response to therapy.
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 for the prescribed length of time. Do not skip doses. Stopping the medication too early or skipping doses may allow bacteria to continue to grow and increase the risk of developing resistant bacteria that are more difficult to treat.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 3 months of treatment or if it worsens.
