Minocycline is a tetracycline analog, having a 7-dimethylamino and lacking the 5 methyl and hydroxyl groups, which is effective against tetracycline-resistant staphylococcus infections.
Minocycline is used for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsial pox and tick fevers caused by Rickettsiae, upper respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and for the treatment of asymptomatic carriers of Neisseria meningitidis.
Minocycline is also used to treat many different bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, severe acne, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and others.
Minocycline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Minocycline, the most lipid soluble and most active tetracycline antibiotic, is, like doxycycline, a long-acting tetracycline.
Minocycline's effects are related to the inhibition of protein synthesis. Although minocycline's broader spectrum of activity, compared to other members of the group, includes activity against Neisseria meningitidis, its use as a prophylaxis is no longer recomended because of side effects (dizziness and vertigo).
Current research is examining the possible neuroprotective effects of minocycline against progression of Huntington's Disease, an inherited neurodegenerative disorder. The neuroprotective action of minocycline may include its inhibitory effect on 5-lipoxygenase, an inflammatory enzyme associated with brain aging.
Minocycline passes directly through the lipid bilayer or passively diffuses through porin channels in the bacterial membrane.
Tetracyclines like minocycline bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the binding of tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex and interfering with protein synthesis.
Metabolism: Hepatic
Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and absorption is not significantly impaired by ingestion of food or milk. Oral bioavailability is 100%.
Route of elimination: N/A
Half life: 11-22 hours
Affected organisms: Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.Some medical conditions may interact with Minocycline.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
Common minocycline side effects may include: numbness, tingling, burning pain, hair loss, discoloration of you skin or nails, dizziness, spinning sensation, muscle or joint pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, swollen tongue, cough, trouble swallowing, rash, itching or headache.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
