Minocycline

This form:

Pronounced

"min-oh-SYE-kleen"

Common brand names:

Minocin, Minomax

Uses

Minocycline is used to treat a wide variety of infections. It may also be used along with other medications to treat severe acne. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as tetracycline antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (such as common cold, flu). Using any antibiotic when it is not needed can cause it to not work for future infections.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking minocycline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is best taken on an empty stomach. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help. However, minocycline may not work as well if you take it with food or milk, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you may take it that way. If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. For this reason, do not take it right before bedtime.

Take this medication 2 to 3 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, or zinc. Some examples include antacids, didanosine solution, quinapril, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), and calcium-enriched juice. These products bind with minocycline, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times every day.

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 result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

Learn more about First DataBank

There are some limitations on the information provided in “Nutrient Interactions.” Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. Please read the disclaimer.

Learn more about TraceGains, the company.

TraceGains and/or its suppliers make no warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this content herein or that of any organization referred or linked to within this content and will not be liable for any damages arising out of your access to or use of any information found herein or that of any organization referred to within this content.

Information expires December 2024.