Minocycline Hydrochloride
Brand Names: Minocin, Dynacin, Solodyn ER
Generic Available
Dosage Forms:
Capsules, pellet-filled (Minocin): 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg
Tablets (Dynacin): 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg
Tablets, extended-release (Solodyn ER): 45 mg, 55 mg, 65 mg, 80 mg, 90 mg, 105 mg, 105 mg, 115 mg, 135 mg
Powder for Injection: 100 mg
FDA Indications/Dosages:
Infections due to susceptible strains of gram negative/positive bacilli and cocci, spirochetes, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, actinomycetes, and rickettsia: 200 mg initially followed by 100 mg every 12 hours. If preferred, give 100-200 mg initially followed by 50 mg four times a day.
Syphilis: Dosage listed above for 10-15 days.
Gonorrhea: 200 initially then 100 mg every 12 hours for 4 days.
Treatment of asymptomatic carriers of N. meningitidis: 100 mg every 12 hours for 5 days.
Mycobacterium marinum infections: 100 mg every 12 hours for 6-8 weeks.
Uncomplicated urethral, endocervical, or rectal infections due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Ureaplasma urealyticum: 100 every 12 hours for at least 7 days.
For the treatment of inflammatory lesions of non-nodular moderate to severe acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age or older (Solodyn): 1 mg/kg once daily for 12 weeks.
Children (over 8 years old): 4 mg/kg initially followed by 2 mg/kg every 12 hours.
Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic which prevents protein synthesis by competitively binding to the 30S ribosomal subunits of bacteria. Bacteriostatic at normal dosage ranges. Peak plasma levels are reached in 1-4 hours with a half-life of 15 hours. Concomitant administration with food including dairy products effects rate but not the amount of absorption.
Drug Interactions: May impair the action of bactericidal antibiotics. May impair the systemic absorption of oral contraceptives. May increase the bioavailability of digoxin. Absorption impaired by aluminum, bismuth, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron salts, and urinary alkalizers. Concomitant use with METHOXYFLURANE may produce nephrotoxicity.
Contraindications/Precautions: Contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any tetracycline. Do not use in children under 8 years of age (during tooth development), in pregnancy and lactation, and in patients with impaired renal function. Rare cases of benign intracranial hypertension have occurred in patients taking tetracyclines. Secondary infections of Clostridium difficile have been reported in almost all antibacterial agents, including minocycline. Pregnancy Category D.
Adverse Effects: Dizziness, vertigo, nausea, emesis, diarrhea, discoloration of forming teeth, sore or darkened tongue, cramps, or burning stomach. Studies to date have indicated that minocycline HCl rarely cause photosensitivity reactions.
Patient Consultation:
Preferably taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after meals with a full glass (240 mL) of water.
May be taken with food or milk if GI upset occurs.
Take at even intervals and complete full course of therapy unless otherwise directed.
Do not take antacids within 2 hours of this medication.
Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible.
Contact a physician if the above side effects are severe or persistent. Stop usage and contact a physician if blurred vision and severe headaches occur.