Minocycline (Minocin®)

How to apply Minocycline properly:

TOPICAL (treatment of acne lesions):

Minocycline is often prescribed as a preferable topical treatment to control moderate-to-severe acne, alone or in combination with other topical or oral acne treatments.

• Minocycline foam or gel is usually applied once a day, 1 hour before you sleep. Try using it at the same time every day. Minocycline foam or gel should be gently massaged into the skin.
• Minocycline for acne has benefits, but it can take up to 2 to 3 months in order to see its full effect and best results.

ORAL (treatment of bacterial infections):

• Apply this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Oral Minocycline is typically prescribed in the form of capsules or tablets, to be taken twice a day for 7-10 days. It’s essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better before finishing this medication.
• Swallow the capsule or tablet whole with water with or without food. Do not, crush, break, or chew it.
For infections:
1. Adults — starting dosage, 200mg followed by 100mg every 12 hours. Some patients may start at 2 or 4 capsules of 50 mg followed by one 50 mg capsule 4 times a day.
2. Children 8 yrs old and older — Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. Usual dose is 4mg per kilogram of body weight followed by 2mg per kilogram of body weight every 12 hrs, but not exceeding the usual adult dose.
For treatment of acne vulgaris:
1. Adults and children 12 years of age and older — Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day for 12 weeks.
2. Children 8 to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
3. Children younger than 8 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Note! Avoid taking Minocycline if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. The medicine may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. Birth control pills may not work as well while you are using minocycline. Children under the age of 8 shouldn't use minocycline because of the risk of permanent tooth discoloration.