$Unique_ID{BRK03239} $Pretitle{} $Title{minocycline} $Subject{Minocin Lederle Antibiotic minocycline minocycline bacterial infections meningococcal meningitis bacteria} $Volume{} $Log{ Minocin Capsule 50 mg*0323901.scf Minocin Capsule 100 mg*0323902.scf Minocin Tablet 50 mg*0323903.scf Minocin Tablet 100 mg*0323904.scf} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. minocycline ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAME (Manufacturer) Minocin (Lederle) TYPE OF DRUG Antibiotic INGREDIENT minocycline DOSAGE FORMS Capsules (50 mg and 100 mg) Tablets (50 mg and 100 mg) Oral suspension (50 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 5% alcohol) STORAGE Minocycline should be stored at room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers. USES Minocycline is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections and to prevent meningococcal meningitis. It acts by preventing the growth of bacteria. This drug kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective against viruses or fungi. TREATMENT To avoid stomach upset, you can take this medication with food (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before measuring each dose. The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. Each dose should be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough. Minocycline works best when the level of medicine in your bloodstream is kept constant. It is best, therefore, to take the doses at evenly spaced intervals day and night. For example, if you are to take two doses a day, the doses should be spaced 12 hours apart. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately. However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost time for your next dose, take it; space the following dose about halfway through the regular interval between doses; then return to your regular dosing schedule. Try not to skip any doses. It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of that period. If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, light-headedness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach cramps and upset, vomiting, or discoloration of the nails. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. Minocycline can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. You should, therefore, try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, joint pain, mouth irritation, rash, rectal or vaginal itching, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin. Also, if your symptoms of infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, you should contact your doctor. INTERACTIONS Minocycline interacts with several other types of medications: 1. It can increase the absorption of digoxin, which may lead to digoxin toxicity. 2. The gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset) of theophylline may be increased by minocycline. 3. The dosage of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin) may need to be adjusted when this medication is started. 4. Minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (birth control pills), and pregnancy could result. You should, therefore, use a different or additional form of birth control while taking minocycline. Discuss this with your doctor. 5. Antacids, calcium channel blockers, and iron may decrease the effects of this drug if they are taken at the same time. Two to three hours should separate doses of these medications and minocycline. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to minocycline or to oxytetracycline, doxycycline, or tetracycline. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney or liver disease. * Minocycline can cause dizziness or light-headedness. Your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be decreased. Appropriate caution should, therefore, be taken. * Minocycline can affect tests for syphilis; tell your doctor you are taking this medication if you are also being treated for this disease. * Make sure that your prescription for this medication is marked with the expiration date. The drug should be discarded after the expiration date. If the drug is used after this date, serious side effects (especially to the kidneys) could result. * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only. Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a different medicine. You should not give your medicine to other people or use it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are breast-feeding an infant. Minocycline crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk. In addition, it should not be used for infants or for children less than eight years of age. This drug can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth and can inhibit tooth and bone growth if used during their development. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.