Description
Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic taken by mouth and used for acne vulgaris. It reduces the bacteria involved in inflamed spots and lowers the inflammation around them. The 100mg tablets are usually taken once daily; swallow them with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright. Avoid taking them at the same time as antacids or supplements containing iron, zinc or calcium, which reduce absorption.
Minocycline can cause dizziness and a spinning feeling, and with longer courses it has been linked to blue-grey pigmentation of the skin, nails or scars, liver problems and a lupus-like reaction, so treatment is reviewed and blood tests may be arranged. For these reasons it is generally not the first tetracycline chosen for acne.
It is not suitable in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, or for children under 12. Tell your prescriber about joint pain, rash, fever, headache with visual changes, or yellowing of the skin.
- Tetracycline antibiotic taken by mouth for acne vulgaris
- 100mg tablets, usually taken once daily
- Swallow with a full glass of water, sitting or standing upright
- Longer courses need review and may need blood tests
- Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding or children under 12
- Report joint pain, rash, fever or yellowing of the skin
