Minocycline
Pronunciation: mi-noe-SYE-kleen.
- Generic name
- Minocycline
- Brand names
- Minotabs, Dynacin, Minocyclin, Minocin, Solodyn, Minoz
- Drug class
- Infection & Antibiotics
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What Minocycline is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Minocycline works
Minocycline is classified as Infection & Antibiotics. See the how-to-take, warnings, and interactions sections for the redistributed clinician-authored dosing and safety detail formerly held in this field. (1) (3)
What Minocycline is used for
Acne vulgaris
Bacterial infections (e.g., respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin)
Bacterial infections (e.g., respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin) (3) (2)
Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea)
Sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea) (3) (2)
Periodontitis
Rheumatoid arthritis (off-label use)
Before taking Minocycline
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Do not take minocycline if you have ever had a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to minocycline or to any other tetracycline-class antibiotic, such as doxycycline or tetracycline. This is an absolute contraindication in the prescribing information. (all countries) (2)
- Minocycline should not be used during pregnancy unless your prescriber has judged that no other suitable antibiotic is available. Tetracycline-class antibiotics can cause harm to the developing baby, and use from the second half of pregnancy onwards can permanently discolour the baby’s teeth. Tell your prescriber straight away if you become pregnant while taking it. (all countries) (2) (3)
- Minocycline should not be given to children under 8 years of age unless other antibiotics are unlikely to work or cannot be used. Tetracyclines taken while the teeth are still developing can permanently stain them and can slow bone growth. (all countries) (2) (3)
Tell your clinician about
- Any allergy to antibiotics, especially to a tetracycline.
- Kidney disease — the dose may need to be reduced.
- Liver disease, or any history of liver problems on an antibiotic.
- Pregnancy, plans for pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Any history of lupus, or of raised pressure inside the head (benign intracranial hypertension), including ongoing headaches or blurred vision.
- Whether you take a retinoid such as isotretinoin or acitretin, a blood thinner such as warfarin, a penicillin antibiotic, or an antacid, iron or calcium supplement.
How to take Minocycline
- Take minocycline exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, for the full duration prescribed; contact your prescriber before skipping doses or stopping early, even if you feel better. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water. Take with or without food, but avoid taking with dairy products, antacids, or supplements containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or iron within 2 hours of your dose.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (3) (2)
Missed dose
Contact your prescriber or pharmacist for advice on a missed dose.
Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include severe dizziness, vomiting, confusion, or seizures. Supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. (3) (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Dizziness
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Photosensitivity
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Severe allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing), severe skin reaction (blistering, peeling), liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine), or signs of increased pressure in the brain — pseudotumor cerebri (persistent headache, vision changes, nausea/vomiting)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; seek immediate medical attention if this occurs
Drug-induced lupus (joint pain, rash, fever, fatigue)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; report to a healthcare provider promptly if this occurs
Permanent tooth discoloration or enamel hypoplasia if inadvertently given to a child under 8 years
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; report to a healthcare provider if this occurs
Serious warnings
A known allergy to minocycline, other tetracyclines, or any ingredient in the formulation needs clinician assessment before minocycline is used — serious
Symptoms: A known allergy to minocycline, other tetracyclines, or any ingredient in the formulation needs clinician assessment before minocycline is used. It is not given to children under 8 years of age because of the risk of permanent tooth discoloration and enamel hypoplasia.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3) (2)
Risk of severe allergic reactions and skin reactions — serious
Symptoms: Risk of severe allergic reactions and skin reactions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3) (2)
Can cause liver toxicity and autoimmune reactions (e — serious
Symptoms: Can cause liver toxicity and autoimmune reactions (e.g., drug-induced lupus).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3) (2)
May increase intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri) — serious
Symptoms: May increase intracranial pressure (pseudotumor cerebri).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3) (2)
Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment — serious
Symptoms: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3) (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| General | Minocycline can interact with antacids, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron supplements, some blood thinners (like warfarin), penicillin antibiotics, and oral contraceptives (may reduce effectiveness). Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Minocycline can harm the fetus and, if used during pregnancy, can permanently stain the baby's teeth and affect bone growth. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking minocycline. (3) (2)
Breastfeeding
Your doctor may advise against breastfeeding during minocycline treatment; discuss infant feeding plans with your prescriber. (3) (2)
Children
Not recommended for children under 8 years. For older children, dosing is weight-based and determined by the healthcare provider. (3) (2)
Renal_impairment
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (3) (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Requires a primary-source research pass before this section can be completed. (3) (2)
Monitoring
(3) (2)Storage
Store in the original container, tightly closed, at room temperature, away from light, excess heat, and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Acne vulgaris
Dose summary: Typical adult dose for most infections: 100 mg orally every 12 hours. For acne, lower doses (50-100 mg once or twice daily) may be used. Dose and duration depend on the infection and response.
Renal context: FDA label: in patients with renal impairment, even usual oral doses can cause excessive systemic accumulation of minocycline and possible liver toxicity, so the total dosage should be decreased by either reducing individual doses and/or extending the interval between doses; the label does not give a specific numeric creatinine-clearance-based table, and dose adjustment should be individualized by the prescriber, with serum drug level checks advisable if therapy is prolonged. (1) (2)
Hepatic guidance
FDA label: no specific numeric dosage adjustment is given for hepatic impairment. The label does note that renal impairment can lead to drug accumulation and possible liver toxicity, and pharmacokinetic studies show altered minocycline clearance in patients with hepatic dysfunction, so caution and clinician monitoring for hepatotoxicity are advised even though no formal hepatic dosing table exists.
Frequently asked questions
What is minocycline used for?
Minocycline is used to treat various bacterial infections, including acne, respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and certain sexually transmitted infections.
How long does it take for minocycline to work?
Improvement in symptoms is usually seen within a few days, but it is important to complete the full course as prescribed, even if you feel better.
Can I take minocycline with food?
Yes, minocycline can be taken with or without food. However, avoid taking it with dairy products or antacids, as these can reduce absorption.
What should I do if I develop a rash while taking minocycline?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop a rash while taking minocycline, as it could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction; let the clinician advise on whether to continue or stop treatment.
Is minocycline safe during pregnancy?
Minocycline is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing baby, including effects on bone and teeth development.
Can minocycline cause sun sensitivity?
Yes, minocycline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
Does minocycline interact with birth control pills?
Minocycline may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Ask your healthcare provider about using an additional, non-hormonal method of contraception while taking minocycline.
What is the mechanism of action of Minocycline?
Minocycline is classified as Infection & Antibiotics. See the how-to-take, warnings, and interactions sections for the redistributed clinician-authored dosing and safety detail formerly held in this field. (1) (3)
What is the generic name of Minocycline?
The generic name is Minocycline. It is sold under brand names including Minotabs, Dynacin, Minocyclin, Minocin, Solodyn, Minoz.
What class of drug is Minocycline?
Minocycline is classed as: Infection & Antibiotics.
References
- Clinician-authored medicine record for Minocycline (MedGuideGlobal medicines database) · · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- MINOCYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE capsule — FDA prescribing information, DailyMed · · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- MedlinePlus (NIH/NLM) — Minocycline · · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
- MINOCYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE CAPSULE [ACTAVIS PHARMA, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Minocycline hydrochloride — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA063009)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Minocycline — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 6979)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Minocycline names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Arestin1 mg · orapharma, inc.
- ZILXI15 mg/g · journey medical corporation
- EMROSI40 mg · journey medical corporation
- AMZEEQ40 mg/g · journey medical corporation
- Minocin100 mg · melinta therapeutics, llc
Canada
- ARESTIN MICROSPHERES