Minocin Capsules

GENERIC NAME: MINOCYCLINE (MIN-oh-SYE-kleen)

COMMON USES: This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. It is not effective for treating infections caused by viruses.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SOME BRANDS OF THIS MEDICINE MUST BE SWALLOWED WHOLE. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medicine is a brand that must be swallowed whole. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH OR WITH FOOD. Taking this medicine with food may decrease your risk for esophagus irritation. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water. DO NOT LIE DOWN for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. CERTAIN MEDICINES MAY BIND WITH MINOCYCLINE PREVENTING ITS FULL ABSORPTION. To avoid this problem take minocycline 2-3 hours before or after vitamins, minerals, antacids or other medicines containing magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc, bismuth salts. Also take minocycline 2-3 hours before urinary alkalinizers (such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate). STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), away from heat, moisture, and light. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same times each day will help you to remember. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it, or if you are allergic to any ingredient in this product, or to other tetracyclines (eg, doxycycline). IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. This medicine only works against bacteria; it does not treat viral infections (eg, the common cold). BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. MILD DIARRHEA IS COMMON WITH ANTIBIOTIC USE. However, a more serious form of diarrhea (pseudomembranous colitis) may rarely occur. This may develop while you use the antibiotic or within several months after you stop using it. Contact your doctor right away if stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or bloody stools occur. Do not treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. LONG-TERM OR REPEATED USE of this medicine may cause a second infection. Tell your doctor if signs of a second infection occur. Your medicine may need to be changed to treat this. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. CAUTION SHOULD BE USED IN THE ELDERLY since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN may cause permanent discoloring of the teeth. Check with your doctor or dentist for more information. FOR WOMEN: TAKING THIS MEDICINE while you are using birth control pills may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while you are taking medicine include mild diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, headache, nausea, stomach pain, or tiredness. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience changes in the color of the skin, scars, or teeth; changes in the amount of urine produced; decreased hearing; persistent heartburn; vaginal irritation or discharge; severe or persistent headache with blurred vision; ringing in the ears; or a severe skin reaction to the sun. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bloody stools; fast or shallow breathing; joint aches; muscle pain or weakness; unusual weakness or fatigue; fever, chills, or sore throat; yellowing of the eyes or skin; dark urine; severe or persistent diarrhea; unusual bruising or bleeding; severe stomach pain or cramps; symptoms of pancreatitis (eg, severe stomach or back pain with or without nausea or vomiting); reddened, blistered or swollen skin; swollen glands; trouble swallowing; or vision changes. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking acitretin, isotretinoin, methoxyflurane, or penicillin antibiotics. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you will be receiving a live typhoid vaccine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking vitamins/minerals (e.g., magnesium, aluminum, calcium, iron, zinc), antacids, bismuth subsalicylate, digoxin, anticoagulants (such as warfarin), birth control pills, methotrexate, ergot derivatives (such as dihydroergotamine), or urinary alkalinizers (such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including an autoimmune disorder (such as lupus), asthma, kidney problems, liver problems, vision problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine in children under 8 years old is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.