Minocycline - Oral

Minocycline is an antibiotic. It is used to treat certain bacterial infections of the lung, skin, urinary tract (e.g. bladder, urethra) and eyes.

This medicine is also used to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhoea.

Minocycline may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.

Take Minocycline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of this medicine may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This medicine is available as a conventional capsule, conventional tablet, extended-release tablet, modified-release capsule, or pellet-filled capsule.

If you are taking the conventional capsule, conventional tablet, pellet-filled capsule, or modified-release type of capsule, swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet or capsule.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you can split the extended-release tablet. Different brands of this medicine may be taken differently.

Take Minocycline at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Minocycline if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eyes) to this medicine or similar medicines such as tetracycline.

Alert your doctor if you have kidney failure as Minocycline may not be suitable for you.

Do not give this medicine to children below 12 years old unless instructed by the doctor.

Do not take Minocyline if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Minocycline.

Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Do not take Minocycline with isotretinoin or other retinoids (medicines used to treat various skin conditions).

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
• other kidney problems
• liver disease

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Minocycline to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are being treated with Minocycline for a sexually transmitted disease, you should follow your doctor's advice on ways to prevent passing the disease to others. You should also avoid sexual contact until the doctor certifies that you are cleared of the infection.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Routine tests (e.g. complete blood tests, liver and kidney functions, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

Minocycline may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, headache, dizziness, joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, loss of appetite, swollen tongue, and nail discolouration.

This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Minocycline may cause permanent discolouration of teeth or affect the proper growth of teeth in children below 8 years old.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth
• rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
• watery and bloody stools with or without stomach cramps and fever
• severe headaches, blurred and/or double vision, loss of eyesight
• unusual bleeding or bruising, cough, colds, flu, feeling very weak or tired
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• quinapril (medicine for high blood pressure)
• other antibiotics e.g. penicillin
• blood-thinning medicines
• birth control pills
• medicine that neutralises stomach acids
• iron-containing medicines e.g. iron supplement
• water pills or medicines for water retention
• cholesterol-lowering medicine e.g. colestyramine, colestipol

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Minocycline.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from heat, light, and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.