Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. It is used to treat various bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, scalp infections, severe acne, chlamydia, tick fever, and more. It is also used as a second-line treatment for gonorrhea, syphilis, and other infections in people who are resistant to penicillin.
Minocycline Uses
Used to cure or prevent bacterial infections
Used for the treatment of severe acne
Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Lightheadedness
Dry mouth
Less Common Side Effects:
Numbness
Tingling
Burning pain
Hair loss
Discoloration of skin or nails
Dizziness or spinning sensation
Muscle or joint pain
Nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Swollen tongue
Cough
Trouble swallowing
Rash
Itching
Headache
Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Attention):
Low or no urination, swelling of the ankles or knees, feeling sluggish or out of breath (kidney issues)
Appetite loss, upper stomach pain (may extend to the back), nausea or vomiting, rapid swelling or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes (liver or pancreas issues)
Joint swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, abdominal pain, vomiting, unusual feelings or behavior, skin discoloration
Severe headache, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, pain behind the eyes
Swollen lips, flu-like symptoms, rapid swelling or bleeding, extreme tingling or numbness, stiffness, chest pain, fever, worsening cough, breathing difficulties
Common Side Effects:
Numbness, tingling, burning discomfort
Hair loss
Nail or skin discoloration
Dizziness or spinning sensation
Muscle or joint pressure
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
How to Take Minocycline
Take minocycline exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides.
Take the medication with a full glass of water.
Complete the full course of the medication, even if symptoms improve quickly.
Skipping doses increases the risk of infection that is resistant to medication.
Minocycline cannot treat viral infections such as the flu or common cold.
Long-term use may require regular medical check-ups.
If you need surgery, you may need to stop taking minocycline for a short period.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose.
Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you overdose on minocycline.
Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
Minocycline vs. Doxycycline
Minocycline:
A tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, scalp infections, severe acne, chlamydia, and tick fever.
Doxycycline:
Prescribed for the treatment of acne, rosacea, respiratory infections, and non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis.
Inhibits protein synthesis in bacterial cells and is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
