AkneminProduct code SKU16176

Brand Name(s) : Acnamino MR, Aknemin, Minocin MR, Sebomin, Sebren MR


MINOCYCLINE USES

What is it used for?

 Minocycline is used to treat a number of problems.
 It is a tetracycline antibacterial drug, sometimes known as an antibiotic.
 It is used to treat infections caused by bacteria in many different parts of the body.
 In general this drug is used to treat acne, often called pimples or spots. This medication attacks the bacteria that are one of the main causes of acne. This medicine can also be used to treat many other infections caused by bacteria (it is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which means it is effective against a wide range of bacteria).
 Benefits of being on this drug can include treatment and prevention of acne and eradication and resolution of bacterial infections, allowing recovery and relief from symptoms.

Listed below are the typical uses of minocycline.

 Treatment of acne
 Treatment of bacterial infections in many different parts of the body.

On occasion your doctor may prescribe this medicine to treat a condition not on the above list. Such conditions are listed below.

 None known.

HOW TO USE/TAKE

How often do I take it?

 Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily. Capsules should be swallowed whole with a little water.
 Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
 Remember to use it at the same time each day - unless specifically told not to by your doctor.
 It may take some days before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
 Certain medical conditions may require different dosage instructions as directed by your doctor.

What dose?

 Dosage is based on your age, gender, medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines.

Do I need to avoid anything?

 This drug may cause light-headedness, dizziness or vertigo (spinning or swaying sensation when standing still). If affected in this way avoid driving or operating machinery. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When can I stop?

 Always complete the full course as prescribed by your doctor.

Details

MINOCYCLINE INTERACTIONS

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious, possibly fatal interactions may occur:

 Retinoids, used to treat acne, psoriasis and leukaemia (e.g. isotretinoin, tretinoin or acitretin).

If you are currently using any such medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting minocycline.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and non-prescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:

 Blood-thinning drugs (e.g. warfarin)
 Ulcer-healing drugs (e.g. sucralfate)
 Supplements containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium, zinc or iron
 Antacids, used in indigestion remedies
 Antibiotics (e.g. penicillin)
 Diuretics.

This information does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using minocycline, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use.


MINOCYCLINE SIDE EFFECTS

 Dizziness
 Fever
 Feeling sick (nausea)
 Vomiting
 Diarrhoea
 Vertigo (spinning or swaying sensation when standing still)
 Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
 Deafness
 Hair loss
 Tooth discolouration
 Headache
 Reduced appetite
 Reduced number of white blood cells
 Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
 Cough
 Shortness of breath
 Tingling, numbness or 'pins and needle' sensations in the hands and feet (paraesthesia).

If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice); persistent or severe headache, particularly with eyesight disturbances; difficulty in swallowing or pain when swallowing, which can be signs of inflammation and ulceration of the throat; or severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea (which may be associated with stomach pain or fever).

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the UK you may report side-effects to the MHRA


MINOCYCLINE OVERDOSE

The effects of overdose with minocycline are not known.

If you think you, or someone you care for, might have accidentally taken more than the recommended dose of minocycline or intentional overdose is suspected, contact your local hospital, GP or if in the UK call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.


MISSED DOSE

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.


MINOCYCLINE PRECAUTIONS

Before taking minocycline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other antibiotics; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist in case of: complete kidney failure, or those with a blood disorder called acute porphyria.

Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially any of the following: liver problems or severe kidney problems, systemic lupus erythematosus (a long-term allergic condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes or fever), or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disease).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Does alcohol intake affect this drug?

 Yes. Alcohol consumption should remain within the Government's recommended limits.

The elderly: minocycline should be used with caution in the elderly as the dose in older patients should be reduced to reflect the greater frequency of decreased liver, kidney or heart function, presence of other diseases and other drug treatments.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - please ensure you read the detailed information below

PREGNANCY

Minocycline is not safe to take if you are, or are planning to become, pregnant.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during pregnancy whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.

BREAST FEEDING

Minocycline is not safe to take if you are breastfeeding.

It is sensible to limit use of medication during breastfeeding whenever possible. However, your doctor may decide that the benefits outweigh the risks in individual circumstances and after a careful assessment of your specific health situation.

If you have any doubts or concerns you are advised to discuss the medicine with your doctor or pharmacist.


MINOCYCLINE WARNINGS

Minocycline should be used with caution in: patients with liver problems or severe kidney problems, systemic lupus erythematosus (a long-term allergic condition that causes jointpain, skin rashes or fever), or myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disease).

It should not be used in: pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding, children under 12 years of age, those with complete kidney failure, or those with a blood disorder called acute porphyria.

Also see list of precautions and interactions.

STORAGE

Store below 25°C