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Minocycline Drug Information Provided by Lexi-Comp

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This information has been developed and provided by an independent third-party source. Merck & Co., Inc. does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the content, or for practices or standards of non-Merck sources.

Medication Safety Issues

Sound-alike/look-alike issues:

Dynacin® may be confused with Dyazide®, Dynabac®, DynaCirc®, Dynapen®

Minocin® may be confused with Indocin®, Lincocin®, Minizide®, Mithracin®, niacin

Pronunciation

(mi noe SYE kleen)

U.S. Brand Names

  • Dynacin®
  • Minocin® PAC
  • myrac™
  • Solodyn™

Index Terms

  • Minocycline Hydrochloride

Generic Available

Yes: Excludes extended release tablet

Canadian Brand Names

  • Alti-Minocycline
  • Apo-Minocycline®
  • Gen-Minocycline
  • Minocin®
  • Novo-Minocycline
  • PMS-Minocycline
  • Rhoxal-minocycline
  • Sandoz-Minocycline

Pharmacologic Category

  • Antibiotic, Tetracycline Derivative

Pharmacologic Category Synonyms

  • Tetracycline Derivative Antibiotic

Use

Treatment of susceptible bacterial infections of both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms; treatment of anthrax (inhalational, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal); acne; meningococcal (asymptomatic) carrier state; Rickettsial diseases (including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever); nongonococcal urethritis, gonorrhea; acute intestinal amebiasis

Pregnancy Risk Factor

D

Pregnancy Implications

Tetracyclines, including minocycline, cross the placenta, enter fetal circulation, and may cause permanent discoloration of teeth if used during the second or third trimester. Congenital anomalies after minocycline use have been reported postmarketing. Because use during pregnancy may cause fetal harm, minocycline is classified as pregnancy category D.

Lactation

Enters breast milk/not recommended

Breast-Feeding Considerations

Small amounts of minocycline are excreted in breast milk and therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended by the manufacturer. Minocycline absorption is not affected by dairy products. This may lead to increased absorption from maternal milk when compared to other tetracyclines which are bound by the calcium in the maternal milk. Nondose-related effects could include modification of bowel flora. There have been case reports of black discoloration of breast milk in women taking minocycline.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to minocycline, other tetracyclines, or any component of the formulation; pregnancy

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Autoimmune syndromes: Lupus-like, hepatitis, and vasculitis autoimmune syndromes have been reported; discontinue if symptoms.

• CNS effects: Lightheadedness and vertigo may occur; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).

• Hepatotoxicity: Has been reported; use caution in patients with hepatic impairment.

• Increased BUN: May be associated with increases in BUN secondary to antianabolic effects; use caution in patients with renal impairment.

• Photosensitivity: May cause photosensitivity; discontinue if skin erythema occurs. Use skin protection and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight; do not use tanning equipment.

• Pseudotumor cerebri: Has been (rarely) reported with tetracycline use; usually resolves with discontinuation.

• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment.

Special populations:

• Pediatrics: May cause tissue hyperpigmentation, enamel hypoplasia, or permanent tooth discoloration; use of tetracyclines should be avoided during tooth development (children ?8 years of age) unless other drugs are not likely to be effective or are contraindicated. However, recommended in treatment of anthrax exposure.

• Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. In addition to affecting tooth development, tetracycline use has been associated with retardation of skeletal development and reduced bone growth.

Adverse Reactions

Frequency not defined.

Cardiovascular: Myocarditis, pericarditis, vasculitis

Central nervous system: Bulging fontanels, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, hypoesthesia, malaise, mood changes, paresthesia, pseudotumor cerebri, sedation, seizure, somnolence, vertigo

Dermatologic: Alopecia, angioedema, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, erythematous rash, exfoliative dermatitis, hyperpigmentation of nails, maculopapular rash, photosensitivity, pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes, pruritus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, urticaria

Endocrine & metabolic: Thyroid discoloration, thyroid dysfunction

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, diarrhea, dyspepsia, dysphagia, enamel hypoplasia, enterocolitis, esophageal ulcerations, esophagitis, glossitis, inflammatory lesions (oral/anogenital), moniliasis, nausea, oral cavity discoloration, pancreatitis, pseudomembranous colitis, stomatitis, tooth discoloration, vomiting, xerostomia

Genitourinary: Balanitis, vulvovaginitis

Hematologic: Agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, hemolytic anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia

Hepatic: Hepatic cholestasis, hepatic failure, hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, liver enzyme increases

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Arthralgia, arthritis, bone discoloration, joint stiffness, joint swelling, myalgia

Otic: Hearing loss, tinnitus

Renal: Acute renal failure, BUN increased, interstitial nephritis

Respiratory: Asthma, bronchospasm, cough, dyspnea, pneumonitis, pulmonary infiltrate (with eosinophilia)

Miscellaneous: Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity, lupus erythematosus, lupus-like syndrome, serum sickness

Drug Interactions

Calcium-, magnesium-, or aluminum-containing antacids, bile acid sequestrants, bismuth, oral contraceptives, iron, zinc, sodium bicarbonate, penicillins, quinapril: May decrease absorption of tetracyclines.

Methoxyflurane anesthesia, when concurrent with tetracyclines, may cause fatal nephrotoxicity.

Penicillins: Tetracyclines may reduce bactericidal efficacy of penicillins and cephalosporins.

Retinoic acid derivatives: May increase risk of pseudotumor cerebri.

Typhoid vaccine: Antibacterial agents may decrease the therapeutic efficacy of the live, attenuated typhoid (Ty21a strain) vaccine

Warfarin: Hypoprothrombinemic response may be increased with tetracyclines; monitor INR closely during initiation or discontinuation.

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Food: Minocycline serum concentrations are not significantly altered if taken with food or dairy products.

Herb/Nutraceutical: Avoid dong quai, St John's wort (may also cause photosensitization).

Storage

Capsule (including pellet-filled), tablet: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light and moisture.

Extended release tablet: Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light, moisture, and heat.

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding with the 30S and possibly the 50S ribosomal subunit(s) of susceptible bacteria; cell wall synthesis is not affected

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed

Protein binding: 70% to 75%

Metabolism: Hepatic to inactive metabolites

Half-life elimination: 16 hours (range: 11-23 hours)

Time to peak: Capsule, pellet filled: 1-4 hours; Extended release tablet: 3.5-4 hours

Excretion: Urine, feces

Dosage

Usual dosage range:

Children >8 years: Oral: Initial: 4 mg/kg, followed by 2 mg/kg/dose every 12 hours

Adults: Oral: Initial: 200 mg, followed by 100 mg every 12 hours (maximum: 400 mg/day)

Indication-specific dosing:

Children ?12 years: Acne (inflammatory, non-nodular, moderate-to-severe) (Solodyn™): Oral:

45-59 kg: 45 mg once daily

60-90 kg: 90 mg once daily

91-136 kg: 135 mg once daily

Note: Therapy should be continued for 12 weeks. Higher doses do not confer greater efficacy, and safety of use beyond 12 weeks has not been established.

Adults: Oral:

Acne: Capsule or immediate-release tablet: 50-100 mg daily

Inflammatory, non-nodular, moderate-to-severe (Solodyn™):

45-59 kg: 45 mg once daily

60-90 kg: 90 mg once daily

91-136 kg: 135 mg once daily

Note: Therapy should be continued for 12 weeks. Higher doses do not confer greater efficacy, and safety of use beyond 12 weeks has not been established.

Chlamydial or Ureaplasma urealyticum infection, uncomplicated: Urethral, endocervical, or rectal: 100 mg every 12 hours for at least 7 days

Gonococcal infection, uncomplicated (males):

Without urethritis or anorectal infection: Initial: 200 mg, followed by 100 mg every 12 hours for at least 4 days (cultures 2-3 days post-therapy)

Urethritis: 100 mg every 12 hours for 5 days

Meningococcal carrier state: 100 mg every 12 hours for 5 days

Mycobacterium marinum : 100 mg every 12 hours for 6-8 weeks

Nocardiosis, cutaneous (non-CNS): 100 mg every 12 hours

Syphilis: Initial: 200 mg, followed by 100 mg every 12 hours for 10-15 days

Dosage adjustment in renal impairment: Consider decreasing dose or increasing dosing interval; total daily dose should not exceed 200 mg

Administration: Oral

May be taken with food or milk. Administer with adequate fluid to decrease the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration.

Monitoring Parameters

Culture and sensitivity testing prior to initiating therapy; LFTs, BUN, renal function with long-term treatment; if symptomatic for autoimmune disorder, include ANA, CBC

Test Interactions

May cause interference with fluorescence test for urinary catecholamines (false elevations)

Dietary Considerations

May be taken with food or milk.

Patient Education

Do not take any new medication during therapy unless approved by prescriber. Take exactly as directed; may be taken with food. Do not chew, break, or dissolve extended release tablet. Complete full course of therapy; do not discontinue even if condition is resolved. May cause photosensitivity reaction (avoid sun, use sunscreen, or wear protective clothing); nausea (small, frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help); or diarrhea (boiled milk, buttermilk, or yogurt may help). Report rash or itching, unresolved or persistent nausea or diarrhea, change in urinary output (excess); or opportunistic infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat, burning urination, fatigue). Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Do not get pregnant while taking this medication. Consult prescriber for appropriate contraceptive measures. Consult prescriber if breast-feeding.

Geriatric Considerations

Minocycline has not been studied in the elderly but its CNS effects may limit its use. Dose reduction for renal function not necessary.

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Discoloration of teeth (children). Opportunistic “superinfection” with Candida albicans; tetracyclines are not recommended for use during pregnancy or in children ?8 years of age since they have been reported to cause enamel hypoplasia and permanent teeth discoloration. The use of tetracycline's should only be used in these patients if other agents are contraindicated or alternative antimicrobials will not eradicate the organism. Long-term use associated with oral candidiasis.

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Barbiturates and carbamazepine may decrease the effects of tetracyclines; tetracyclines may decrease lithium clearance resulting in an increase in serum lithium levels and potential lithium toxicity; monitor serum lithium levels. No data documenting these effects with minocycline; use caution.

Nursing: Physical Assessment/Monitoring

Assess results of culture and sensitivity tests and allergy history before beginning therapy. Assess potential for interactions with other pharmacological agents or herbal products patient may be taking (eg, warfarin, antacids, hydantoins, carbamazepine). Assess therapeutic effectiveness (resolution of infection) and adverse reactions on a regular basis during therapy. Teach patient proper use, possible side effects/appropriate interventions (eg, importance of adequate hydration), and adverse symptoms to report.

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Capsule: 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg

Dynacin®: 75 mg [DSC], 100 mg [DSC]

Capsule, pellet filled: 50 mg, 100 mg

Minocin® PAC: 50 mg, 100 mg [packaged with wipes, serum, and masque]

Tablet: 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg

Dynacin®, myrac™: 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg

Tablet, extended release:

Solodyn™: 45 mg, 90 mg, 135 mg

Pricing: U.S. (www.drugstore.com)

Capsules (Dynacin)

50 mg (30): $97.30

75 mg (30): $195.99

Capsules (Minocin)

50 mg (30): $136.03

Capsules (Minocycline HCl)

50 mg (30): $15.99

75 mg (30): $48.99

100 mg (30): $23.00

Tablet, 24-hour (Solodyn)

90 mg (100): $1641.55

Tablets (Dynacin)

75 mg (30): $252.24

100 mg (30): $305.75

Tablets (Minocycline HCl)

75 mg (30): $143.99

Tablets (Myrac)

100 mg (50): $222.00

References

Goulden V, “Guidelines for the Management of Acne Vulgaris in Adolescents,” Paediatr Drugs, 2003, 5(5):301-13.

Smilack JD, Wilson WR, and Cockerill FR 3d, “Tetracyclines, Chloramphenicol, Erythromycin, Clindamycin, and Metronidazole,” Mayo Clin Proc, 1991, 66(12):1270-80.

International Brand Names

  • Akamin (AU)
  • Borymycin (MY, SG)
  • Cyclimycin (ZA)
  • Cynomycin (IN)
  • Klinomycin (LU)
  • Lederderm (DE)
  • Melicid (TW)
  • Mestacine (FR)
  • Micromycin (MX)
  • Mino-50 (LU)
  • Minocin (AR, AT, BE, BO, BR, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, DO, EC, ES, GB, GR, GT, HK, HN, ID, IT, KP, LU, MX, MY, NI, NL, PA, PE, PH, PK, PR, PT, PY, SV, UY, VE)
  • Minocin G (TW)
  • Minocin SA (IE)
  • Minoclin (IL)
  • Minocyclin (CZ)
  • Minocyclin 50 Stada (DE)
  • Minoline (TW)
  • Minomax (BR)
  • Minomycin (AU)
  • Minotab (LU)
  • Minotab 50 (BE, NZ, ZA)
  • Mirosin (TW)
  • Mynocine (FR)
  • Parocline (FR)
  • Periocline (JP)
  • Spicline (FR)

Lexi-Comp.com

Last full review/revision May 2008

Content last modified May 2008

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