Minocycline is used to treat and prevent acne and rosacea, and sometimes for other bacterial infections.
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.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue as directed.
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with minocycline including:
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.
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.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. September 2017
For more general information about this sheet and its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
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My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed