Minocycline

Minocycline belongs in the tetracycline drug class and is an antibiotic used to fight infections in your body. To check if your insurance plan covers minocycline use eNavvi.

Disclaimer

The information included in this page is not a substitute for medical advice. The list of side effects may not include all side effects as drugs can affect all people differently. Any dosage information may not include all dosage information. It is important to discuss with a medical professional that knows your medical history well which dosage is right for you and if there are any potential risks or possible side effects. Our goal is to provide relevant information but this page may not include all up-to-date information.

What is Minocycline used for?

Minocycline is used to treat a variety of infections. Some of the infections that are treated with this antibiotic include but are not limited to:

Severe acne

Chlamydia 

Respiratory infections

Urinary tract infections

Skin infections

For individuals with a penicillin allergy, this medication may be prescribed to treat specific infections as a second-line of defense.

Minocycline can be taken in a variety of ways. The medication can be ingested in pill or liquid form. There is minocycline foam which is a topical application of the medication. Or if determined best by your physician, the prescription can also be administered through an injection.

Minocycline Side Effects

As with any medication, this antibiotic can come along with side effects. Some side effects can include but are not limited to:

• numbness, tingling, burning pain;
• hair loss;
• discoloration of skin or nails.
• dizziness; vision issues,
• muscle or joint pain which may include a fever
• loss of appetite; nausea or vomiting
• diarrhea
• little to no urination which may indicate kidney issues
• easy bruising
• flu-like symptoms, chest pain, worsening cough, difficulties breathing

It is important to call your doctor if you begin to experience the above mentioned symptoms to determine if minocycline is ok for you to continue taking. It is also important to always consult your doctor before stopping any medication.

Do Side Effects Go Away?

If you are wondering how long the side effects last, unfortunately this varies from person to person. Some of the less serious side effects associated with this prescription medication such as headaches or dry mouth typically go away as your body adjusts to the medication.

If these symptoms persist and are not desirable, it is best to consult your doctor to learn if there are ways to mitigate the symptoms.

Does Minocycline Cause Weight Gain?

A common question around this medication is if minocycline causes weight gain. While for many weight gain may not be an issue, there are studies that show weight gain is a possibility.

Minocycline was given to 100 patients with cystic fibrosis of the pancreas and there was reported weight amongst some of the participants in the study. It found that men were more likely to gain weight than women.

Consult your doctor before beginning to take the medication if weight gain is of a concern to weigh the pros and cons of taking the medication to treat your specific ailment. Whether or not minocycline may cause weight gain may depend on a variety of factors and your doctor will be the best at assessing your situation.