What is minocycline?
Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic which is used in tablet form for the treatment of medium to heavy inflammatory acne. Besides doxycycline, it is one of the most commonly used oral antibiotics in acne.
The drug not only acts antibacterially against P. acnes, but also has anti-inflammatory properties. Minocycline is tolerated better than other tetracyclines with dairy products and can be taken independently of meals.
The treatment time is typically 3-6 months, together with a topical retinoid.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Minocyclin
Minocycline has several mechanisms:
Antibacterial:
- Inhibits the protein synthesis of the bacteria
- Connects to the 30S subunit of ribosomes
- Acts bacteriostatically against P. acnes
Inflammation inhibitor:
- Inhibits matrix metalloproteinases
- Reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Reducing neutrophil chemotaxis
- Regardless of the antibacterial effect
Pharmacokinetic benefits:
- Highest lipophilia among tetracyclines
- Good penetration into the sebaceous glands
- Can be taken with dairy products
Who is it suitable for?
Minocycline is suitable for:
- Medium to heavy flammable acne
- Papkins and poodles
- If topical therapy alone is not enough
- As a supplement to topical retinoids
Not suitable for:
- Light, purely comedogenic acne
- Pregnancy (from 2. Trimester)
- Children under 8 years
- Lupus erythematodes
- Heavy liver / kidney failure
Available Dosages
Standard dosing:
- 50-100 mg 1-2x daily
- usual: 100 mg 1x daily
Retard forms:
- 1x daily possible
- Better compatibility
Language:
- Typical: 3-6 months
- Maximizes to 6 months (resistance risk)
- Always with topical retinoid
How to Take
Intake:
- With or without food (other than other tetracyclines)
- With a large glass of water
- Not immediately before laying (Oesophagitis protection)
Important:
- Keep complete treatment time
- Not together with antazida or iron preparations
- Use sun protection (photosensitivity)
- Not together with isotretinoin (Pseudotumor cerebri)
Consider effects: In dizziness, pigmentation or lupus-like symptoms consult doctor.
Contraindications
Do not apply at:
- Pregnancy (from 2. Trimester)
- Still time
- Children under 8 years
- hypersensitivity to tetracycline
- Systemic Lupus erythematodes
Preview at:
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Vestibular disorders
Important: Not together with isotretinoin – increased risk for Pseudotumor cerebri!
Possible Side Effects
**
- nausea, diarrhea
- dizziness, dizziness (vestibular)
- photos sensitivity
- Vaginal candidose
Spezifish for minocycline:
- Blue-grain pigmentation of the skin, teeth, nails
- Vestibular disorders (black, equilibrium disorders)
- Lupus-like syndrome (same)
- Autoimmunhepatitis (rare)
Seltene but serious side effects:
- Pseudotumor cerebri (strong headaches, visual disorders)
- Drug-induced lupus
- Hyperpigmentation (often permanent)
Drinking: In children under 8 years of age irreversible – therefore contraindicated.
Interactions
Reduction reduced by:
- Antazida (aluminum, magnesium)
- Iron preparations
- calcium preparations
- Keep distance of 2-3 hours
Not combine with:
- Isotretinoin – Pseudotumor cerebri
- Warfarin – increased bleeding
- Retinoide oral
Other than other tetracyclines: Milk products hardly affect the intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is minocycline right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.