$Unique_ID{BRK02042}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{MINOCYCLINE}
$Subject{Minocin (Lederle)}
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$Log{
Minocin 50 Cap*0204201.scf
Minocin 100 Cap*0204202.scf
Minocin 50 Tab*0204203.scf
Minocin 100 Tab*0204204.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


MINOCYCLINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Minocin (Lederle)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antibiotic
INGREDIENT:
     minocycline
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Capsules (50 mg and 100 mg)
     Tablets (50 mg and 100 mg)
     Oral suspension (50 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 5% alcohol)
STORAGE:
     Minocycline capsules, tablets, and oral suspension should be stored at
       room temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.

USES

     Minocycline is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections and to
prevent meningococcal meningitis.  It acts by preventing the growth of
bacteria.  This drug kills susceptible bacteria, but it is not effective
against viruses or fungi.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach upset, you can take this medication with food (unless
your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The suspension form of this medication should be shaken well just before
measuring each dose.  The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle,
so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly
and equalize the doses.  Each dose should be measured carefully with a
specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not
accurate enough.  Minocycline works best when the level of medicine in your
bloodstream is kept constant.  It is best, therefore, to take the doses at
evenly spaced intervals day and night.  For example, if you are to take two
doses a day, the doses should be spaced 12 hours apart.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose immediately.
However, if you do not remember to take the missed dose until it is almost
time for your next dose, take it; space the following dose about halfway
through the regular interval between doses; then return to your regular dosing
schedule.  Try not to skip any doses.
     It is important to continue to take this medication for the entire time
prescribed by your doctor, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of
that period.  If you stop taking the drug too soon, resistant bacteria are
given a chance to continue growing, and the infection could recur.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, light-headedness, loss of appetite,
nausea, stomach cramps and upset, vomiting, or discoloration of the nails.
These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     Minocycline can increase your sensitivity to sunlight.  You should,
therefore, try to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.  Wear
protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up
from a sitting or lying position slowly, and be careful on stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
darkened tongue, difficulty in breathing, joint pain, mouth irritation, rash,
rectal or vaginal itching, sore throat and fever, unusual bleeding or
bruising, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.  Also, if your symptoms of
infection seem to be getting worse rather than improving, you should contact
your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Minocycline interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can increase the absorption of digoxin, which may lead to digoxin
toxicity.
     2. The gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, and stomach
upset) of theophylline may be increased by minocycline.
     3. The dosage of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin)
may need to be adjusted when this medication is started.
     4. Minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
(birth control pills), and pregnancy could result.  You should, therefore, use
a different or additional form of birth control while taking minocycline.
Discuss this with your doctor.
     5. Antacids, calcium channel blockers, and iron may decrease the effects
of this drug if they are taken at the same time.  Two to three hours should
separate doses of these medications and minocycline.  BE SURE TO TELL YOUR
DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those
listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to minocycline or to oxytetracycline, doxycycline,
or tetracycline.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney or
liver disease.
     * Minocycline can cause dizziness or light-headedness.  Your ability to
perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery, may be decreased.  Appropriate caution
should, therefore, be taken.
     * Minocycline can affect tests for syphilis; tell your doctor you are
taking this medication if you are also being treated for this disease.
     * Make sure that your prescription for this medication is marked with the
expiration date.  The drug should be discarded after the expiration date.  If
the drug is used after this date, serious side effects (especially to the
kidneys) could result.
     * This medication has been prescribed for your current infection only.
Another infection later on, or one that someone else has, may require a
different medicine.  You should not give your medicine to other people or use
it for other infections, unless your doctor specifically directs you to do so.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  Minocycline crosses the placenta and passes into
breast milk.  This drug can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth and can
inhibit tooth and bone growth if used during their development.  In addition,
it should not be used for infants or for children less than eight years of
age.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
