Minocin 75mg Capsules

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, thereby preventing the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA to the ribosomal acceptor site. This action prevents the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain, leading to bacteriostasis.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of pancreatitis (pancreas problem), such as:
+ Severe stomach pain
+ Severe back pain
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of lupus, such as:
+ Rash on the cheeks or other body parts
+ Easy sunburning
+ Muscle or joint pain
+ Chest pain or shortness of breath
+ Swelling in the arms or legs
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
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 (darkening)
Mouth irritation or sores
Burning, numbness, or tingling sensations
Redness or white patches in the mouth or throat
Rectal or genital irritation
Vaginal itching or discharge
Diarrhea (common with antibiotics, but rarely, a severe form called C. diff-associated diarrhea (CDAD) may occur, which can lead to a life-threatening bowel problem)
Stomach pain, cramps, or loose, watery, or bloody stools (if you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor before treating diarrhea)

Additional Serious Side Effects

Liver problems (which can be life-threatening): Contact your doctor immediately if you experience dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes.
Raised pressure in the brain: This condition usually resolves after stopping the medication, but in some cases, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Seek medical help right away if you experience headaches or vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
Thyroid cancer: Although rare, long-term use of this medication has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice lasting hoarseness, a neck mass, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Severe skin reactions (including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and other serious reactions): These conditions can be life-threatening and may affect other organs. Seek medical help right away if you experience:
+ 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
+ Swollen glands

Other Side Effects

While many people do not experience side effects or only have mild side effects, it is essential to be aware of the following:

Diarrhea
Upset stomach or vomiting
Decreased appetite
Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness

If you experience any of these side effects or any other symptoms that concern you, contact your doctor or seek medical attention. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

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 symptoms you experienced.
If you are currently taking any of the following medications: Acitretin, Isotretinoin, or a Penicillin.
* If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, as you may need to avoid breastfeeding 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. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your existing medications and health conditions.

Remember, do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor to ensure your safety.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving, wait until you understand how this drug affects you. As directed by your doctor, undergo regular blood tests and discuss the results with them.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug. Do not exceed the prescribed duration of treatment, as this may increase the risk of a secondary infection.

When taking this medication, be cautious when exposed to sunlight, as it may increase your susceptibility to sunburn. If you experience unusual sunburn, inform your doctor. Typically, this medication is not recommended for children under 8 years old, but in some cases, it may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

In children under 8 years old, this medication may cause permanent tooth discoloration, resulting in a yellow-gray-brown color. If this occurs, the change is irreversible. However, in adults, tooth discoloration has been reported to be reversible after discontinuing the medication and undergoing dental cleaning. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

When taking this medication, birth control pills and other hormone-based contraceptives may be less effective. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control, such as condoms. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, immediately contact your doctor, as it may harm the unborn baby.

• Isotretinoin (and other oral retinoids): Increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension).

• Antacids (containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium), iron preparations, bismuth subsalicylate, zinc supplements: Decreased absorption of minocycline due to chelation. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.
• Oral anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin): May potentiate anticoagulant effect. Monitor INR/PT closely.
• Penicillins: Tetracyclines are bacteriostatic and may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillins. Avoid concomitant use if possible, especially in serious infections.
• Ergot alkaloids: Theoretical increased risk of ergotism.

• Oral contraceptives: Theoretical decreased efficacy of oral contraceptives due to altered gut flora. Advise backup contraception.
• Methotrexate: May increase methotrexate toxicity due to competition for renal excretion.
• Live bacterial vaccines (e.g., Typhoid vaccine): May reduce the therapeutic effect of the vaccine. Administer minocycline at least 24 hours after vaccine.

• Not available

• Signs of hepatotoxicity (e.g., jaundice, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain)
• Signs of pseudotumor cerebri (e.g., severe headache, blurred vision, diplopia, papilledema)
• Signs of photosensitivity (e.g., severe sunburn reaction)
• Signs of drug-induced lupus (e.g., arthralgia, rash, fever)
• Signs of DRESS syndrome (e.g., fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, organ involvement)
• Dizziness, vertigo, ataxia (vestibular effects)
• Persistent or severe gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• New or worsening skin discoloration (blue-gray pigmentation)

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 reversible inhibition of bone growth in the fetus.

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.

Minocycline is generally contraindicated in children under 8 years of age due to the risk of permanent tooth discoloration (yellow-gray-brown) and reversible inhibition of bone growth. Use in children 8 years and older should be carefully considered and only when other antibiotics are not appropriate or effective.

No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more susceptible to adverse effects such as dizziness/vertigo and may have age-related renal or hepatic impairment requiring caution and monitoring.

• Minocycline has a higher lipophilicity compared to other tetracyclines, which contributes to its better tissue penetration, including the CNS, and longer half-life.
• It is often preferred for acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties in addition to its antibacterial effects.
• Vestibular side effects (dizziness, vertigo, ataxia) are more common with minocycline than with other tetracyclines, especially at higher doses or in women.
• Minocycline can cause blue-gray skin, nail, and scleral discoloration with long-term use, which can be permanent.
• Drug-induced lupus erythematosus and DRESS syndrome are rare but serious adverse effects that require immediate discontinuation.
• While food interferes less with minocycline absorption than with other tetracyclines, it's still best to separate administration from dairy, antacids, and iron supplements.

• Other tetracyclines (e.g., Doxycycline, Tetracycline)
• Macrolides (e.g., Azithromycin, Erythromycin, Clarithromycin)
• Lincosamides (e.g., Clindamycin)
• For acne: Topical retinoids, topical antibiotics (e.g., clindamycin, erythromycin), benzoyl peroxide, oral contraceptives, isotretinoin (oral retinoid).

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.