Minocin 100mg Inj, 1 Vial
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
For storage and disposal, consult with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to determine the best approach if you need to keep this medication at home.
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to receive guidance on the next steps to take.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or tanning beds, as minocycline can make your skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity). Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
- Report any unusual or severe headaches, vision changes, or dizziness immediately to your doctor.
- If you experience severe diarrhea, especially if it's watery or bloody, contact your doctor as it could be a sign of a serious infection (C. difficile).
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction: rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever), wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking, unusual hoarseness, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem): severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe upset stomach or vomiting.
Signs of kidney problems: inability to pass urine, changes in urine output, blood in the urine, or significant weight gain.
Signs of lupus: rash on the cheeks or other body parts, easy sunburn, muscle or joint pain, chest pain or shortness of breath, or swelling in the arms or legs.
Fever, chills, or sore throat.
Unexplained bruising or bleeding, or feeling extremely tired or weak.
Changes in hearing.
Joint pain or swelling.
Muscle pain or weakness.
Ringing in the ears.
Seizures.
Shortness of breath.
Chest pain.
Abnormal heartbeat.
Swelling.
Changes in nail, skin, eye, scar, tooth, or gum color to a darker shade.
Mouth irritation or mouth sores.
Burning, numbness, or tingling sensations that are not normal.
Redness or white patches in the mouth or throat.
Rectal or genital irritation.
Vaginal itching or discharge.
Flushing.
Excessive sweating.
Severe dizziness or fainting.
Difficulty moving around.
Feeling cold.
Diarrhea (common with antibiotics), especially if severe, watery, or bloody (may be a sign of C. difficile-associated diarrhea, a potentially life-threatening condition).
Liver problems: dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes.
Raised pressure in the brain: headache or eyesight problems like blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
Thyroid cancer symptoms: lasting hoarseness, neck mass, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or other serious reactions): red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; red or irritated eyes; sores in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, genitals, or skin; fever; chills; body aches; shortness of breath; or swollen glands.
Other Side Effects
Most people experience no side effects or only mild side effects while taking this medication. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Diarrhea, upset stomach, or vomiting.
Decreased appetite.
Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness.
* Irritation at the injection site.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe headache, especially with blurred vision or double vision
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
- Severe skin rash, blistering, or peeling
- Joint pain, muscle aches, or fever (signs of drug-induced lupus)
- Signs of allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling of face/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Acitretin, Isotretinoin, or a Penicillin.
* If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed, as you may need to avoid nursing while taking this medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. Additionally, inform them about any existing health problems.
To ensure your safety, always verify with your doctor that it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness. Your doctor will also instruct you to have regular blood tests to monitor your condition. Be sure to follow their instructions and discuss any concerns with them.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it's crucial to inform all your healthcare providers and lab personnel that you are taking it. Do not take this medication for longer than prescribed, as this may increase the risk of a second infection.
You may be more susceptible to sunburn while taking this medication, so take precautions when spending time outdoors. If you experience easy sunburning, notify your doctor.
In children under 8 years old, this medication may cause a permanent change in tooth color, resulting in a yellow-gray-brown discoloration. If this occurs, the change will not reverse. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, as this medication is typically not recommended for children under 8 years old. However, in some cases, your doctor may prescribe it for younger children.
Although less common, tooth discoloration has also been reported in adults taking this medication. In these cases, the change in tooth color typically reverses after stopping the medication and undergoing a professional dental cleaning. Consult your doctor if you have concerns.
If you are using birth control pills or other hormone-based contraception, you should be aware that this medication may reduce their effectiveness. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control, such as a condom, while taking this medication.
It is also important to note that this medication may harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center (1-800-222-1222). Treatment is supportive; hemodialysis is not effective.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (oral forms - chelation, reduced absorption if given concurrently with oral minocycline, less relevant for IV but still caution if patient is on oral antacids)
- Iron preparations (oral forms - chelation, reduced absorption if given concurrently with oral minocycline, less relevant for IV)
- Oral retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin, acitretin) - increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri
- Penicillins (bacteriostatic tetracyclines may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins)
Moderate Interactions
- Oral anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) - tetracyclines may depress plasma prothrombin activity, requiring dose adjustment of anticoagulant
- Oral contraceptives - may reduce efficacy of oral contraceptives (though evidence is weak, advise backup method)
- Ergot alkaloids (theoretical increased risk of ergotism)
- Methoxyflurane (increased risk of nephrotoxicity)
Minor Interactions
- Digoxin (may increase digoxin absorption in some patients)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To assess baseline kidney function and guide dosing, especially in patients with pre-existing impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline liver function, as minocycline is metabolized in the liver and can cause hepatotoxicity.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Rationale: To assess baseline hematologic status, as tetracyclines can rarely cause hematologic abnormalities.
Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, especially in prolonged therapy or renal impairment
Target: Within normal limits or stable from baseline
Action Threshold: Significant increase from baseline or worsening renal function
Frequency: Periodically, especially in prolonged therapy or if signs of liver dysfunction develop
Target: Within normal limits or stable from baseline
Action Threshold: Significant increase from baseline (e.g., >3x ULN) or signs of liver injury
Frequency: Throughout therapy
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Development of new or worsening symptoms
Symptom Monitoring
- Headache (especially severe or persistent)
- Blurred vision or other visual disturbances
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Skin rash, photosensitivity reactions (sunburn-like reaction)
- Signs of superinfection (e.g., oral thrush, vaginal yeast infection, severe diarrhea/C. difficile)
- Signs of drug-induced lupus erythematosus (e.g., arthralgia, myalgia, rash, fever)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Minocycline is classified as Pregnancy Category D. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Tetracyclines can cause permanent discoloration of teeth (yellow-gray-brown) and inhibition of bone growth in the fetus when administered during the last half of pregnancy.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Minocycline is excreted into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in the nursing infant, including tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Minocycline is generally not recommended for use in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and inhibition of bone growth. In children 8 years and older, it should be used with caution and only when other antibiotics are not suitable.
Geriatric Use
No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related decreases in renal or hepatic function, which may necessitate dose adjustments or closer monitoring. They may also be more susceptible to side effects like dizziness/vertigo.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Minocycline IV should be administered by slow intravenous infusion, usually over 1 hour, to minimize the risk of dizziness/vertigo.
- Unlike some other tetracyclines, minocycline can be taken with food (oral form) as its absorption is less affected, but this is not relevant for the IV form.
- Minocycline has good tissue penetration, including into the CSF, skin, and prostate.
- It is often used for infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms, including some strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and MRSA, though resistance patterns vary geographically.
- Patients should be advised about photosensitivity and to use sun protection.
- Be aware of the potential for drug-induced lupus erythematosus, which can occur after prolonged therapy (months to years) and is usually reversible upon discontinuation.
Alternative Therapies
- Doxycycline (another tetracycline, often preferred due to lower incidence of vestibular side effects)
- Tigecycline (a glycylcycline, structurally related to tetracyclines, often used for resistant infections)
- Other broad-spectrum antibiotics depending on the specific infection and susceptibility (e.g., carbapenems, polymyxins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, vancomycin)