Information About the Medicine Minocycline

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic available in brands such as Dynacin and Minocin. It is prescribed to treat bacterial infections such as skin disorders, Lyme disease, pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

Skin Disorders

Minocycline is used to treat severe acne, chronic facial rosacea and perioral dermatitis (a rash that tends to appear around the mouth).

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Doctors prescribe minocycline to relieve painful, swollen joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The drug decreases substances that cause inflammation and may slow progression of joint damage.

Dosage

Minocycline is available in capsule and tablet form and usually is taken every 12 hours for two weeks. Therapy for chronic conditions, however, frequently lasts for several months.

Side Effects

Minocycline can cause many side effects, most temporary. These include diarrhea, indigestion, lack of appetite, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache and sensitivity to sunlight.

Long-Term Effects

Long-term minocycline therapy can cause skin discoloration that looks like bruising, which recedes when the medication is discontinued.

Yeast Infections

Antibiotic use is commonly associated with the development of vaginal yeast infections. This is more frequent with tetracycline antibiotics such as minocycline.

References

• U.S. National Institutes of Health
• American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
• Minocycline for rheumatoid arthritis