Minomycin (Minocycline)

General information

Medicinal product Minomycin has a formula consisting of an active ingredient called Minocycline. It is a potent, long-acting tetracycline antibiotic with bacteriostatic properties that works by means of inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. It is effective against a large variety of diseases caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as wool-sorter's disease, dysentery, cholera, pneumonia, meningitis, meningococcal pemphigoid, pemphigus, rheumatoid arthritis, gonorrhea, chlamydia. Minocycline can be also prescribed to treat severe skin infections (acne, rosacea); rectum, urethra or cervix infections.

Directions

Take this medication exactly as your doctor has prescribed it. You must carefully follow all directions given to you by a doctor. Avoid exceeding your dose or taking the medication longer than it was advised by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water or milk. It may also be taken concurrently with food. This medication is not chewed, crushed or broken while taking. This is an extended-release tablet aimed to release medicine slowly after you have swallowed it. If you break the tablet it can cause too much of the medicine to be released right away, which is not desirable.

Precautions

Notify all doctors, dentists and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this medication. In case you are about to start taking new medications or food supplements, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are already taking Minomycin. This medication may impair your alertness and reactions, so be careful while driving or with doing anything that requires you to be alert and attentive. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise in hot weather. Do not consume alcohol as it may interact with Minomycin. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids, meals, food supplements and other medications you are allowed to take. Avoid using this medication after the expiration date.

Contraindications

This medication cannot be used in case you are pregnant (plan to be pregnant) or breastfeeding; if you have ever displayed an allergic reaction to minocycline, or any other tetracycline antibiotics; if you have lupus, severe kidney disease. Minomycin is not given to children of eight years and under unless directed by the pediatrician.

Possible side effect

The more common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, light-headedness, unsteadiness, fatigue, loss of appetite, headache, allergic reactions such as rash or hives, swelling of face or tongue, difficulty in swallowing, burning in the throat or food tube; skin, nails, teeth and mouth staining. This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Others may occur in some people and there may be some side effects not known yet. In case you have experienced any side effect not listed above, immediately notify your doctor or local poison centre.

Drug interactions

Minomycin is able to interact with isotretinoin or etretinate (medications related to vitamin A, used to treat severe acne/psoriasis that has failed to respond to other treatment); warfarin; antacids; medications containing iron and calcium; penicillin; purgatives; contraceptive pill. Minomycin can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, so your doctor may recommend you to use an additional method of contraception. You must also tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Minomycin if you expect to have surgery or dental work with a general anaesthetic.

Missed dose

If you have missed your dose, take it as soon as possible. In case it is near the time for the next intake, avoid the missed dose and keep your ordinary dosing schedule. Avoid compensating a missed dose by taking an extra one.

Overdose

If you suspect you have used too much of this medication, seek emergency medical attention right away. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention. The most common symptoms of overdose may include nausea, emesis, digestive upsets (stomach pain, persistent diarrhea), fatigue, fall in blood pressure.

Storage

This medication is stored in a cool dry place at temperature between 15-25 C (59-77 F), away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not store this drug in the bathroom. Keep this product out of the reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.