Minocycline

Minocycline may be described as a tetracycline – class antibiotic medicine, which is used to help eliminate varied types of bacteria and infections caused by bacteria, such as Pneumonia. This medication will not work for the common cold, influenza or other viral infections.

Minocycline is used to help effectively treat various types of infections caused by severe acne, varied kinds of skin, genital, urinary tract or central nervous system infections, gonorrhea, tick fever and chlamydia.

Minocycline is available in capsule form, which must be taken by mouth, usually swallowed whole with a glass of water. It may be taken with or without food. However, you must be certain to take this medication exactly as directed, making sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Minocycline you do not understand and special care may be required pertaining to the use of this medication in children.

Furthermore, you must take Minocycline 1 hour prior or 2 hours after taking antacids, such as Sodium Bicarbonate, calcium supplements or laxatives containing magnesium. You must also be sure to take Minocycline 2 hours prior or 3 hours after taking iron preparations or vitamin products that contain iron.

Lastly, you must also be sure to take Minocycline exactly as directed and refrain from taking this medication more, less or more often than prescribed by your health care professional. Do not suddenly discontinue this medication without prior confirmation from your health care professional.

While on an ongoing course of Minocycline, if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.

Sometimes, Minocycline may cause the patient to experience severe skin redness, mild headaches, joint pain, an upset stomach, severe fatigue, an itching sensation of the rectum or vagina, diarrhea, dizziness and mild vision complications.

Furthermore, Minocycline may cause the patient to experience lightheadedness, furry darkening or black discoloration of the tongue, chills, skin rashes, unusual bleeding or bruising, pain or discomfort in the mouth, vertigo, throat sores and fever.

If you are on an ongoing course of Minocycline, before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Minocycline or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.

Sometimes, Minocycline interacts with various medications, such as Amoxicillin, Warfarin, Penicillin, Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Carbenicillin and Pepto – Bismol.

Furthermore, Minocycline interacts with various medications, such as sulfites, Oxacillin, Antacids such as Tums, Rolaids, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox or others, minerals such as, Calcium, Iron, Aluminum or Magnesium supplements, Isotretinoin, migraine medications, such as ergot alkaloids, or laxatives containing Magnesium and vitamins.

In case of an overdose of Minocycline, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Furthermore, symptoms of an overdose of Minocycline may appear as dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.

Your health care professional will order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Minocycline, monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your Minocycline, and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery, including dental surgery, or you conceive whilst on a course of Minocycline inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. Minocycline also passes into breast milk.

Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Minocycline. It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Minocycline, you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

It is important that you do not take a double dose of Minocycline to make up for a missed one, unless you have consulted your health care professional.

You must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Minocycline for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.

Store Minocycline in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Minocycline medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. You must speak with your pharmacist or health care professional about the proper disposal of this medication.

It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Minocycline; they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from diabetes, kidney or liver complications.

Furthermore, Minocycline decreases the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives, hence while on an ongoing course of this medication, another method of birth control should be used.

Lastly, while on an ongoing course of Minocycline you must avoid exposure towards sunlight, the use of sunlamps or tanning beds and while out in the open, protect your skin by using a sunscreen lotion.