Minocycline (Injection)

Minocycline (mi-noe-SYE-kleen)

Treats infections. This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic.

Brand Name(s):

Minocin
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use minocycline if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any tetracycline antibiotic (such as doxycycline, tetracycline). Do not give this medicine to children under 8 years old because it can permanently change tooth color. You should not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It may also be given by a home health caregiver.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine..
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses. Your infection may not clear up if you stop using the medicine too soon.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor, pharmacist, or home health caregiver.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using penicillin, or a blood thinner (Coumadin®).
• Birth control pills may not work while you are using minocycline. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or kidney disease.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Headache, blurred vision
• Trouble swallowing
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Changes in skin color
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Mild skin rash

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.