INFO - On Minocin ( minocycline) from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)

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American College of Rheumatology

April 2004

MINOCYCLINE

(Minocin)

Description

Minocycline (Minocin) is a member of the tetracycline group of antibiotics.

Although it has not been proven that infections cause rheumatoid arthritis,

minocycline may improve the signs and symptoms of this disease. There is

evidence that minocycline may slow the progression of joint damage in

arthritis and prevent disability, like other drugs in the class known as

DMARDs (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs).

Uses

Minocycline is prescribed for patients with symptoms of mild rheumatoid

arthritis. It is sometimes combined with other medications to treat patients

with persistent symptoms of this form of arthritis.

How it works

Minocycline is an antibiotic, which means it helps to neutralize or kill

bacteria that cause infections. When used to treat rheumatoid arthritis,

however, minocycline may work through a different mechanism to stop

inflammation. Minocycline decreases the production of substances causing

inflammation, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, while increasing

production of interleukin-10, a substance in the blood that decreases

inflammation.

Dosing

Minocycline is usually given as a 100 milligram (mg) capsule twice a day. It

may be taken with food, although it should not be taken at the same time as

other medications such as antacids or iron tablets.

Time to effect

It may take 2 to 3 months before people who have just started on minocycline

will experience any improvement in arthritis symptoms. It may take a year

before maximum benefits are experienced.

Side Effects

The most common side effects from this medicine are gastrointestinal

symptoms, dizziness, and skin rash. Patients who take this medication for a

long time may also notice changes in the color of their skin, but this

usually resolves after stopping the medication.

In addition, some women who take minocycline develop vaginal yeast

infections. This may occur with other antibiotics, but seems to occur more

often with minocycline and other tetracyclines. It is thought that

minocycline kills bacteria that are normally present in the body to protect

against yeast infections.

Minocycline may increase your sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in more

frequent sunburns or the development of rashes following sun exposure. It is

therefore recommended that you apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) while

outdoors or avoid prolonged exposure to the sun while taking minocycline.

More rarely, minocycline can affect the kidneys or liver. If you are taking

minocycline for a long time, your doctor may recommend periodic blood tests

to check your liver and kidney function. Minocycline can rarely induce

lupus, but this condition usually improves after stopping the medication.

Points to remember

Before taking minocycline, tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual

or allergic reaction to any other tetracycline antibiotic.

Minocycline is not recommended during the last half of pregnancy, as it may

cause discoloration of the newborn's teeth. Minocyline use during any part

of pregnancy may also slow the growth of teeth or bones in infants after

birth. Because minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of some birth

control pills, talk with your doctor about other contraception options while

taking minocycline.

Minocycline is passed into breast milk, so mothers should avoid

breast-feeding to prevent delayed development of teeth and bones in their

infants. Minocycline also may increase a nursing infant's risk of fungal

infections or dizziness in the newborn. Because minocycline may also cause

of discoloration of teeth and problems with bone growth in young children,

it is recommended that those younger than 8 years old not take this

medication. This is not a problem in older children and adults.

Drug interactions

Be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking,

including over the counter drugs and natural remedies. Possible interactions

with minocycline may occur when taking warfarin (Coumadin), antacids

containing calcium, aluminum or magnesium (such as Tums, Rolaids, Maalox, or

Mylanta), iron tablets, and oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

For more information

The American College of Rheumatology has compiled this list to give you a

starting point for your own additional research. The ACR does not endorse or

maintain these Web sites, and is not responsible for any information or

claims provided on them. It is always best to talk with your rheumatologist

for more information and before making any decisions about your care.

National Institutes of Health Medline Plus link

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682101.html

Updated April 2004.

Written by Cannon, MD, and reviewed by the American College of

Rheumatology Communications and Marketing Committee.

http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/minocycline.asp

Not an MD

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org