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Minocycline |
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What is Minocycline and why is it prescribed? Minocycline is a form of the antibiotic tetracycline. It is given to help treat many different kinds of infection, including: Acne, Amebic dysentery, Anthrax, Cholera, Gonorrhea, Plague, Respiratory infections such as pneumonia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Syphilis, and Urinary tract infections caused by certain microbes. To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking Minocycline for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. Minocycline works best when there is a constant amount in the body. To help keep the level constant, take the doses at evenly spaced times around the clock. How should you take Minocycline? Follow your doctors directions for taking Minocycline. You may take Minocycline with or without food. Your doctor will prescribe Minocycline for a specific number of days according to the type of infection being treated. Keep taking Minocycline until you have used it all up. To reduce the risk of throat irritation, take the capsule and tablet forms of Minocycline with plenty of fluids. Swallow the pellet-filled capsules whole. You should avoid use of antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, such as Maalox and Mylanta, and iron preparations such as Feosol. If you must take these medicines, take them 2 to 3 hours before or after taking Minocycline. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember, then space out evenly any remaining doses for that day. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Minocycline capsules and liquid at room temperature. Keep capsules away from moist places and direct light. Do not freeze the liquid. Are there any Minocycline side effects? Minocycline side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Minocycline side effects may include blisters, blood disorders, bruising, bulging of soft spots on infants' heads, colitis, cough, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, discolored nails or teeth, discolored skin or body fluids, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, hair loss, headache, heart inflammation, hives, indigestion, inflamed esophagus, inflamed mouth or tongue, inflamed penis, itching, hearing loss, hives, joint pain, joint stiffness or swelling, kidney disorders, liver disorders, loss of appetite, loss of feeling, muscle pain, nausea, oral or anal sores with fungus infection, pancreatitis, peeling skin, poor tooth enamel, rash, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, severe allergic reactions, shortness of breath, swollen mouth and throat, thyroid disorders, tingling, vaginal inflammation, vertigo, vomiting, and wheezing. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Minocycline? If Minocycline is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Minocycline with Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium (such as Mylanta), Blood thinners (such as Coumadin), Iron-containing preparations (such as Feosol), Isotretinoin (Accutane), Oral contraceptives, or Penicillin (Pen-Vee K). Are there any special warnings about Minocycline? If you have a kidney problem, a normal dose of Minocycline may amount to an overdose for you and could cause liver damage. Use caution if you have a liver condition. Expect a lower-than-average dosage if you have a kidney problem. If you need to take Minocycline for an extended period of time, your doctor may order frequent blood tests to make sure you are not getting too much of the drug. Because Minocycline may make you dizzy or light-headed or cause a whirling feeling, do not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you know how the medication affects you. Minocycline should not be given to children 8 years old or younger, since it may cause discoloration of the teeth. Occasionally, Minocycline has also caused tooth discoloration in adults. Minocycline may cause a sensitivity to light, and you may sunburn very easily. Be careful in sun and under sunlamps. If your skin turns red and hot, stop taking Minocycline immediately. While taking Minocycline you may be especially susceptible to infections, including fungus infections. If you do get an infection, check with your doctor immediately. If you get a headache and blurry vision while taking Minocycline, or if an infant receiving Minocycline develops bulging of the "soft spots" on the head, this could mean that the drug is causing a buildup of fluid within the skull. It is important to stop taking Minocycline and see a doctor immediately. Minocycline liquid contains a sulfite that can cause severe allergic reactions in susceptible people. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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