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Minocin (minocycline) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with a wide variety of uses, effective at treating bacterial infections ranging from acne to bubonic plague. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in some inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The active ingredient in Minocin, minocycline, is sold under a number of other brand names, including Minostad, Solodyn, Minox, Divaine, Minopen, and many others.

The Many Uses of Minocin

Minocin is a tetracycline antibiotic and also a bacteriostatic agent. Tetracycline antibiotics are among the antibiotics rendered less useful by antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Despite this it is still the preferred treatment in many infections; in other cases it may be given when the preferred medication is unavailable or unsuitable, such as if a patient is allergic to penicillin. Bacteriostatic antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial reproduction rather focusing on killing existing bacteria; in simple terms, the medication suppresses growth and spread of the bacteria so the immune system isn't overwhelmed and can fight off the infection naturally.

Minocin is effective in:

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Typhus fever
• Amoebic dysentery
• Cholera
• Acne vulgaris
• Rosacea
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Lyme disease
• Anthrax
• Bubonic plague
• Periodontal disease
• Various respiratory infections
• Various MRSA infections
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Treatment with Minocin will vary depending on a number of variables; dosage will need to be adjusted for patients who are young, elderly, or who have other major medical conditions, and duration of treatment will depend on the condition being treated. In otherwise healthy adults, a rough generalization of treatment is as follows:

• Start with a single 200 mg dose.
• After the initial 200 mg dose, take 100 mg every 12 hours.
• Alternatively, 50 mg doses may be taken every 6 hours instead of 100 mg every 12 hours.
• Depending on the condition treatment may continue for a few days up to several months. If treating an infection, a general rule with antibiotics is to continue treatment for at least 2 days after symptoms have subsided.
• Do not exceed 200 mg in a 24-hour period after the first day of treatment.

Children are usually given 2 mg per kg of weight, taken every 12 hours, up to 200 mg per day.

Tips & Precautions

Some things to keep in mind to ensure treatment goes smoothly:

• Do not split, crush, dissolve, or otherwise damage tablets. They should be swallowed whole.
• Tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Milk or juice will inhibit absorption to some extent, though not as much as food will.
• Tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
• Tablets should be taken 2 or 3 hours before or after taking other medications unless instructed otherwise by a doctor. Minocin can interact with a number of other drugs if taken too close together, including over-the-counter medications and supplements, such as antacids.
• Do not lay down for at least 10 minutes after taking a dose.

Use of Minocin should be avoided if pregnant or breastfeeding. It should not be administered to patients under 9 years of age.

Note that Minocin, and many other tetracycline antibiotics, should not be used past its expiration date. While most medications simply lose potency past expiration, tetracyclines become increasingly toxic and can cause serious kidney damage.

Treatment with this or any other antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal medication should be completed as directed even if symptoms disappear. Failure to fully complete treatment contributes to resistant organisms.

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Minocin MR (minocycline) is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic used to treat acne in teenagers and adults. It should not be used in patients under age 12 without explicit doctor approval.

The MR in this product stands for Modified Release, which means this particular formulation releases its active ingredient slower than standard tablets. Thus Minocin MR tablets can be taken just once per day rather than the usual 2 to 4 times per day with regular Minocin tablets. While this method works well for acne, it may not be ideal in other conditions typically treated by the faster-acting version of this antibiotic.

What to Expect from Treatment

The bacterium associated with acne, Propionibacterium acnes, occurs naturally on the human skin; more specifically it dwells within pores, where it feeds on sebum. Acne develops when P. acnes levels become unbalanced, which can happen for a number of reasons; blocked pores are a common cause but there are many other factors that can contribute to a P. acnes population boom. The condition is often further complicated by the presence of other bacteria which are not typically found on healthy skin.

Minocin MR is a bacteriostatic agent, meaning it works by inhibiting the bacteria's ability to reproduce and spread, allowing the body's natural immune defenses to combat the bacteria without becoming overwhelmed. The medication may be used on its own or in combination with other acne-fighting treatments.

In most cases treatment is quite simple:

• Take 1 tablet (100 mg) once per day.
• Tablets should be taken with a full glass of water to prevent stomach irritation.
• Tablets may be taken with or without food according to personal preference.
• Treatment should continue for a minimum of 6 weeks.
• Treatment may continue for up to 6 months if needed.

Acne is notoriously slow to respond to antibiotic treatment. It usually takes several weeks of treatment before significant results are seen, and it may take several months; this is understandably frustrating for individuals impatient for clear skin. Keep in mind, however, that medications like Minocin MR treat the deeper, underlying issue, so are ultimately worth the wait. Faster-acting treatments that improve skin over the short-term can usually be used in the interim while waiting for Minocin MR to produce results. Check with a doctor or pharmacist first to ensure there will be no drug interactions.

Many patients find 6 weeks of treatment sufficient. If some improvement is seen after 6 weeks but the condition is not fully cleared up, treatment may be extended for up to 6 months. If the condition persists after 6 months of treatment, alternative medications should be considered. Occasionally treatment with Minocin MR does continue past 6 months; in these cases it's important to attend regular doctor checkups to monitor for any developing side effects.

Precautions & Side Effects

Note that Minocin MR should not be used past its expiration date. While most medications simply lose potency past expiration, tetracyclines like Minocin MR become increasingly toxic and can cause serious kidney damage.

Treatment with this or any other antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal medication should be completed as directed even if symptoms disappear. Failure to fully complete treatment contributes to resistant organisms.

Minocin MR can interact with a wide range of supplements and other medications, including many common over-the-counter products like antacids, vitamins, and other antibiotics. These interactions can significantly reduce the effectiveness of one or more of the medications involved. In the interest of maximizing Minocin MR's effectiveness and minimizing potential complications, check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medications or supplements during treatment.

Most people take Minocin MR without any side effects; when side effects are experienced, they're typically mild. Most commonly reported are:

• Stomach upset
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss
• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Increased sensitivity to sun

Note that because of the increased sensitivity to sunlight, Minocin MR may not be the best choice for individuals with Lupus.

Minocin MR should not be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding without explicit doctor approval.