What is Minocycline Hcl: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Minocycline Hcl overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Minocin, Minocin Kit

Generic Names:

  • Minocycline Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats infections. This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Amebicide, Intestinal, Antiacne, Antibiotic, Antiprotozoal

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Minocycline Hcl come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Minocycline Hcl doses?

  • Capsule 50MG

  • Capsule 75MG

  • Capsule 100MG

  • Tablet 50MG

  • Tablet 75MG

  • Tablet 100MG

Common Minocycline Hcl prescriptions

  • Minocycline HCl
    100mg capsule

  • Minocycline HCl
    50mg capsule

  • Minocycline HCl
    75mg capsule

  • Minocycline HCl
    100mg tablet

  • Minocycline HCl
    50mg tablet

  • Minocycline HCl
    75mg tablet

How to take Minocycline Hcl

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Take all of the medicine in your prescription to clear up your infection, even if you feel better after the first few doses.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Shake the oral liquid well just before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Swallow this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take the medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.

Minocycline Hcl contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to minocycline or other tetracycline antibiotics, or you are pregnant.

Minocycline Hcl warnings

  • This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well while you are using this medicine. Use a second form of birth control until your treatment ends.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, or an allergy to sulfites.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Permanent change in tooth color (in children younger than 8 years old)Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heartIntracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Minocycline Hcl interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how minocycline works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Isotretinoin, penicillinBlood thinner (including warfarin)Ergot medicinesMedicine that contains aluminum, calcium, iron, or magnesium (including an antacid or vitamin supplement)

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, asthma, or an allergy to sulfites.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Permanent change in tooth color (in children younger than 8 years old)Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heartIntracranial hypertension (increased pressure in the head)

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Minocycline Hcl side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe diarrhea, stomach cramps

  • Headache, vision changes, blurred vision

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Joint pain, fever, rash, unusual tiredness or weakness

  • Swollen glands in the armpits, neck, or groin

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Darkening of your skin, teeth, or gums

  • Mild diarrhea