Product Details: Minocin (Minocycline)

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. This medicine is not effective treating infections caused by viruses.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with a full glass (8 oz./240 ml) of water. DO NOT LIE DOWN for 30 minutes after taking this medicine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk unless otherwise directed. This medicine is sometimes taken with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. However, certain medicines, food, and milk may bind with minocycline preventing its full absorption. To avoid this problem take minocycline 2-3 hours before or after taking any food, milk, or medicines containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Some examples include quinapril, didanosine, vitamins/minerals, antacids, sucralfate, bismuth subsalicylate, iron, and zinc. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. TO CLEAR UP YOUR INFECTION COMPLETELY, continue taking this medicine for the full course of treatment even if you feel better in a few days. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days or if they become worse, check with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN may cause permanent discoloring of the teeth. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. This includes any medicines that contain bismuth. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: TAKING THIS MEDICINE while you are using birth control pills may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, indigestion, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or ringing in the ears. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vaginal irritation and/or discharge or unusual tiredness and/or weakness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience fever; a change in the amount of urine; headache and/or blurred vision; joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; seizures; yellowing of the skin or eyes; severe stomach pain or diarrhea; reddened, blistered, or swollen skin; or severe or persistent headache. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Minocycline