What does it do?

Minocycline is used to treat and prevent acne and rosacea, and sometimes for other bacterial infections.

How should you take it?

Take minocycline regularly as directed until the course is finished. Take it with food.
Minocycline can damage the oesophagus (food pipe). To avoid this, take it with a large glass of water. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole, do not crush or chew it. Sit or stand upright for at least 30 minutes after taking a dose.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with minocycline including:

• calcium supplements (e.g. Calci-Tab®)
• iron supplements (e.g. Ferro-Tab®)
• zinc supplements (e.g. Zincaps®)
• antacids containing aluminium, calcium or magnesium (e.g. Mylanta®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs.

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Symptoms of allergy including: skin rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing Symptoms of liver problems including: yellow skin or eyes, itching, dark urine, pale bowel motions, abdominal pain Headache, changes in vision, pounding in one or both ears (may be intracranial hypertension) Trouble swallowing, chest pain, indigestion or heartburn (new or getting worse)	Tell your doctor immediately
Severe or persistent diarrhoea	Tell your doctor
Dizziness Increased sensitivity to sunlight Stomach upset	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, or an allergy to antibiotics.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Minocycline is not usually recommended for children under 12 years of age because it may cause permanent teeth staining and affect bone growth.
• Minocycline may make you dizzy. Be careful driving or operating machines until you know how it affects you.
• Protect yourself from too much sunlight while being treated with minocycline. Always cover up and apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) when outside. Do not use sunbeds.
• Do not take indigestion remedies, iron or calcium preparations within 2 hours of taking minocycline.