Minocycline 75mg Tablets

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. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, particularly useful in conditions like acne and rosacea, by inhibiting lipase activity, reducing reactive oxygen species, and modulating cytokine production.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

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, 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 problems), 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 sunburn
+ 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), especially if severe or accompanied by:
+ Stomach pain
+ Cramps
+ Loose, watery, or bloody stools
Liver problems, such as:
+ Dark urine
+ Fatigue
+ Decreased appetite
+ Upset stomach or stomach pain
+ Light-colored stools
+ Vomiting
+ Yellow skin or eyes
Raised pressure in the brain, which may cause:
+ Headache
+ Vision problems (blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision)
Thyroid cancer (rarely reported with long-term use), which may cause:
+ Lasting hoarseness
+ Neck mass
+ Trouble breathing or swallowing
Severe skin reactions, such as:
+ Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
+ Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
+ Other serious reactions, which may affect body organs and be life-threatening
+ Signs include:
- 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 Possible Side Effects

Most people do not experience side effects or only have mild ones. However, if you notice any of the following, contact your doctor or seek medical attention if they bother you or do not go away:

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

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, 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.

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 other 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.

Regular blood tests will be necessary, as directed by your doctor. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor. Additionally, this medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all 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 promptly.

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 be irreversible. Discuss the potential risks with your doctor, as this medication is generally not recommended for children under 8 years old, except in specific circumstances.

Although less common, tooth discoloration has also been reported in adults, which typically resolves after discontinuing the medication and undergoing dental cleaning. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about tooth discoloration.

When taking this medication, birth control pills and other hormone-based contraceptives may be less effective. To prevent pregnancy, consider using 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 pose a risk to the unborn baby.

• Isotretinoin (increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri)
• Acitretin (increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin - increased INR/bleeding risk)
• Penicillins (tetracyclines can interfere with bactericidal action of penicillins)
• Ergot alkaloids (potential for ergotism, though less documented for minocycline)
• Methoxyflurane (potential for fatal renal toxicity)

• Oral contraceptives (decreased efficacy of oral contraceptives, leading to breakthrough bleeding or pregnancy)
• Antacids (containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium - decreased minocycline absorption)
• Iron preparations (decreased minocycline absorption)
• Bismuth subsalicylate (decreased minocycline absorption)
• Cholestyramine (decreased minocycline absorption)
• Barbiturates (decreased minocycline half-life)
• Carbamazepine (decreased minocycline half-life)
• Phenytoin (decreased minocycline half-life)
• Digoxin (increased digoxin levels in some patients)

• Food (minimal effect on absorption, but avoid dairy/antacids/iron within 2-3 hours)

• Photosensitivity (sunburn-like reaction)
• Dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness (vestibular side effects)
• Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Headache, blurred vision, papilledema (signs of pseudotumor cerebri)
• Skin discoloration (blue-gray pigmentation, especially in sun-exposed areas or scars)
• Tooth discoloration (permanent, especially in children under 8)
• Joint pain, swelling (drug-induced lupus-like syndrome)
• Severe or persistent diarrhea (Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea)
• Signs of allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Minocycline is 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 effects in the nursing infant, including tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth, minocycline is generally not recommended during breastfeeding. 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 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 older children should be carefully considered and only when other antibiotics are not suitable.

No specific dosage adjustment is generally required for elderly patients based on age alone. However, elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal or hepatic function, which may necessitate careful monitoring and potential dosage adjustment. They may also be more susceptible to vestibular side effects (dizziness, vertigo).

• Minocycline has a higher lipophilicity compared to other tetracyclines, leading to better tissue penetration, including the CNS.
• It is less likely to cause photosensitivity than doxycycline, but sun protection is still advised.
• Vestibular side effects (dizziness, vertigo, ataxia) are more common with minocycline than with other tetracyclines, especially at higher doses or in women.
• Long-term use, particularly for acne, can lead to skin, nail, and tooth discoloration (blue-gray pigmentation), which can be permanent.
• Minocycline has anti-inflammatory properties independent of its antimicrobial activity, making it effective for inflammatory conditions like acne and rosacea.
• Unlike other tetracyclines, minocycline absorption is not significantly impaired by food or dairy products, but it's still best to separate from antacids and iron supplements.

• Doxycycline (another tetracycline, often used for similar indications)
• Tetracycline (older tetracycline)
• Erythromycin (macrolide antibiotic)
• Clindamycin (lincosamide antibiotic)
• Azithromycin (macrolide antibiotic)
• Topical retinoids (for acne)
• Benzoyl peroxide (for acne)
• Oral contraceptives (for hormonal acne)
• Isotretinoin (for severe acne)

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 this 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, including the amount taken and the time it happened, to facilitate prompt and effective treatment.