Minocycline, Coremino

Minocycline (mi noe SYE kleen) is a generic medication prescribed for acne and certain bacterial infections in adults and some children. Minocycline belongs to a group of drugs called tetracycline antibiotics.

Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP on May 12, 2023
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD

Introduction

These approved uses differ based on the form of minocycline your doctor prescribes.

This article describes minocycline’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of minocycline.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of minocycline. To find coupons for minocycline extended-release oral tablet, see this article.

Uses of minocycline

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as minocycline for certain conditions. Approved uses for minocycline are described below. These uses differ based on the form of minocycline prescribed.

Use for acne

Doctors may prescribe minocycline oral tablet, extended-release* oral tablet, and oral capsule for treating acne. The oral tablet and oral capsule are used for this purpose in adults and children 8 years and older. The extended-release oral tablet can be used for acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With acne, skin pores clog with oil, dead skin, and bacteria. The blocked pores can form blackheads, whiteheads, nodules (hard, painful lumps), and cysts (pus-filled nodules). These pimples become red and inflamed (swollen). They can appear on the face, neck, upper shoulders, chest, or back.

Minocycline can be prescribed together with other acne medications.

* Extended-release tablets release drug slowly over time.

Use for certain bacterial infections

Doctors may prescribe minocycline oral tablet and oral capsule for treating certain bacterial infections. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 8 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With bacterial infections, bacterial cells enter and invade body tissues or organs. They grow and multiply (make more cells), causing symptoms of the infection. The symptoms can vary depending on where the infection is in the body.

Minocycline can treat certain common infections, such as some forms of sinus infection and urinary tract infection (UTI). But it doesn’t work against strep throat.

Side effects of minocycline

Minocycline may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of minocycline and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about minocycline’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also read the prescribing information* for minocycline.

* To view minocycline’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of minocycline are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of minocycline you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about minocycline’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for minocycline.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Minocycline oral capsule’s mild side effects include:

• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• vertigo (spinning feeling)
• mild allergic reaction†

Minocycline extended-release oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• dizziness
• fatigue (low energy)
• headache
• itchiness
• mild allergic reaction†

* To view minocycline’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for minocycline” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of minocycline are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of minocycline you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about minocycline’s side effects based on the form, see the prescribing information* for minocycline.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, minocycline’s serious side effects include:

• autoimmune syndromes (conditions in which your immune system attacks your body’s tissues)
• benign intracranial hypertension (high pressure in your brain)
• changes in blood cell counts
• changes in the color of your eyes, gums, teeth, nails, skin, and scars
• Clostridioides difficile-related diarrhea (watery or bloody diarrhea)
• kidney problems
• liver damage
• problems with your esophagus, such as irritation or ulcers (sores)
• seizures
• sun sensitivity, which increases the risk of serious sunburn
• severe allergic reaction†
• permanent tooth discoloration‡

* To view minocycline’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for minocycline” section below.
‡ In studies, this side effect was seen in children younger than 8 years. For details about minocycline’s studies, see its prescribing information in the “Article resources” section below.

Common questions about minocycline

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about minocycline.

Is minocycline similar to doxycycline?

Yes, minocycline is similar to doxycycline. Both drugs belong to the tetracycline antibiotic group of drugs. They both treat acne and certain bacterial infections. Doxycycline is also approved to treat a skin condition called rosacea.

Minocycline and doxycycline have similar side effects and warnings because they’re in the same group of drugs.

To learn more about doxycycline and how it compares with minocycline, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can minocycline be used for rosacea?

Possibly. Oral forms of minocycline aren’t approved to treat rosacea. (Rosacea is a skin condition that causes small red or discolored bumps on your skin, especially on the face.) Doctors may prescribe oral forms of minocycline off-label to treat rosacea. (An off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a condition other than its approved uses.)

There’s also a brand-name version of minocycline (Zilxi) that’s approved for this purpose. It comes as a topical foam that you’ll apply directly to the skin.

Talk with your doctor if you’d like to learn more about taking minocycline for rosacea.

Does minocycline cause different side effects when used for acne compared to when used for bacterial infections?

Possibly. In general, the side effects of minocycline will be the same if you take minocycline for acne or certain bacterial infections. But usually, minocycline is a long-term treatment for acne and a short-term treatment for bacterial infections. And there can be some differences in side effects when you take minocycline long term.

For example, if you take minocycline short or long term, you may have changes in the color of your skin or tissues in your mouth. But if you take minocycline long term, you may develop changes in the color of other tissues, such as the eyes and nails.

If you’re concerned about side effects with minocycline, talk with your doctor. If you notice new symptoms after starting minocycline treatment, let your doctor know. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

What are the available brand names for minocycline?

There are no brand-name versions of minocycline oral capsule or minocycline oral tablet. These forms are only available as generic drugs.

Brand names for minocycline extended-release (ER) oral tablet include Minolira and Solodyn. (ER tablets release drug slowly over time.)

There’s a brand name ER oral capsule of minocycline called Ximino. But this drug is not available in a generic version.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re interested in taking the brand-name version of minocycline ER tablet or capsule.

Does minocycline cause weight gain?

No, weight gain isn’t an expected side effect with minocycline. Studies* of minocycline didn’t report weight gain as a side effect.

If you notice changes in your weight after starting minocycline, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.

* For details about the studies of minocycline, see its prescribing information in the “Article resources” section below.

How does minocycline work? And how long does it take to start working?

Minocycline works by stopping bacteria from growing. This helps your body clear out the bacteria and get rid of the infection. For treating acne, minocycline may also have some anti-inflammatory effects to help reduce swelling.

Minocycline will start working right away. For treating acne, it can take a few weeks for symptoms to ease.

For bacterial infections, it can take a few days for symptoms to reduce. It’s important to finish your minocycline prescription, even if you feel better. This helps make sure the infection is gone and won’t come back. If an infection comes back, it can be harder to treat.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out more about what you can expect with minocycline.

Dosage of minocycline

The dosage of minocycline your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should take.

Taking minocycline

Minocycline oral tablets and oral capsules are swallowed, with or without food.

Minocycline extended-release (ER) oral tablet is swallowed, with or without food. (ER tablets release drug slowly over time.) Taking it with food may help prevent problems with the esophagus, such as irritation or ulcers.

Your doctor will talk with you about how to take minocycline. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.

Overdose of minocycline

You should not take more minocycline than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much minocycline, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Interactions and warnings for minocycline

Below, you’ll find information about minocycline’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of minocycline

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take minocycline, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription medications
• over-the-counter medications
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for minocycline” section below.

Warnings for minocycline

Some people should not take minocycline and others should take it cautiously.

Minocycline could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether minocycline is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of minocycline you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for minocycline, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Minocycline can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to minocycline or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe minocycline. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• severe skin rashes that may blister and peel
• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to minocycline, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and minocycline

Information about minocycline and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Minocycline and pregnancy

Minocycline should not be taken during pregnancy. The drug can cause serious bone and tooth development problems in a fetus. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest birth control options to use during treatment with minocycline.

Minocycline and breastfeeding

Minocycline should not be taken while breastfeeding. The drug can cause serious problems with the development of bones and teeth in a child who is breastfed. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with minocycline.

Minocycline coupon

You may be able to save money on your prescription for minocycline by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.

If you have questions about how to pay for minocycline, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes minocycline’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about minocycline or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does my dosage of minocycline need to be adjusted if I have kidney problems?
• Do any of my medications interact with minocycline?
• How does minocycline compare to other drugs that could treat my condition?

 Article resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Minocycline hydrochloride capsules, USP. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/7e2390b7-242c-43ff-afb3-b0a5e79351d3/spl-doc
• Minocycline hydrochloride extended-release tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/99825095-d897-4077-86df-483d505615b2/spl-doc#section-8.1
• Minocycline hydrochloride tablets, USP. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/ad8678de-ee78-d061-ea5f-d2a6b949b0e5/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.