Minocin (Minocycline HCl)

What is Minocin?

Minocin is a tetracycline antibiotic that treats a variety of infections.

What is Minocin used for?

Minocin is used to treat various types of infections such as severe acne. However, it is to be noted that the medicine only helps treat bacterial infections, not viral infections.

How does Minocin work?

Minocin works by downsizing the growth and expansion of certain bacteria and permitting the body’s immune system to kill the bacteria.

How to use Minocin

The procedure of consumption of Minocin varies with its brands. Some are to be swallowed whole with food while the others can be taken on an empty stomach. Consult your doctor before taking the medicine.

Check with your doctor regarding the dosage of Minocin. The medication is usually taken with a full glass of water. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after the intake of this medicine.

It is important to complete the full course of this medication.

If you are taking any other medicine with properties of magnesium, aluminum or calcium, take Minocin two to three hours before or after the ingestion of these medicines.

Minocin warnings and precautions

This medication is said to cause drowsiness and the effect can worsen with the intake of alcohol. So try and avoid alcohol during the course of medication.

Do not expose yourself to harsh or direct sunlight as Minocin can cause heat strokes. A long term use of Minocin might even cause a second infection; if you experience this, seek medical aid instantly.

Before receiving any dental or other surgical treatments, inform the doctor about your use of this medication. Also, Minocin just works against the bacteria and does not cure the viral infection, therefore stay under the care of a medical practitioner.

As the safety and effectiveness of Minocin on children has yet not been verified, therefore extra care should be taken when dealing with minors.

Pregnant and lactating women must talk to their doctors about the risk involved.

What do I do if I have missed a Minocin dose?

If you have missed your Minocin dose, you should take it at once. If it’s time for the next dose, skip the missed one and get back to the routine.

What do I do if I have taken a Minocin overdose?

If you have taken a Minocin overdose, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Minocin interactions

Inform your doctor about all your prescribed and non prescribed dosages as these drugs might interact with Minocin and come out to be problematic.

This medication is said to reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives, therefore, consult your doctor about the matter, in advance. Penicillin, aluminum salts and live oral typhoid vaccine have been reported to interact with Minocin, therefore take medical advice before starting the medication.

Some other drugs if made to react with Minocin can augment the risk of its side effects. These drugs are namely, Methotrexate, theophyllines, anticoagulants, isotretinoin, acitretin, digoxin, insulin, ergot alkaloids, and methoxyflurane.

Minocin side effects

Whenever you feel ill or notice some changes after the Minocin intake, do not fret, and talk to your doctor.

While the less serious Minocin side effects are stomach upset, drowsiness, loss of appetite, vomiting, lightheadedness, nausea and dizziness; severe side effects from Minocin include joint pain, muscle pain or weakness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe diarrhea, headache, seizures, unusual tiredness or weakness, vaginal irritation or discharge, bloody stools, bulging soft spots in infants, ringing in the ears, increased pressure in the head, fever, and headache.