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Minocycline Hydrochloride

Minocycline Hydrochloride

Minocycline Hydrochloride is a prescription intended for the treatment of a wide variety of infections. This drug may also be used along with other medicines to treat severe acne. 

Acne occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It frequently causes blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. It usually appears on the forehead, face, upper back, shoulders, or chest. Acne is furthermost common among teenagers. However, it affects people of all ages. Depending on its severity, acne can cause emotional distress and scar on the skin. The symptoms may be different depending on the severity of your condition:

  • Blackheads (open plugged pores)
  • Pimples (pustules) which are papules with pus at their tips
  • Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
  • Small red, tender bumps (papules)
  • Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)
  • Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules) 
  •  

Four main factors cause acne:

  • Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
  • Excess oil production
  • Excess activity of a type of hormone (androgens)
  • Bacteria

Acne usually appears on your face, chest, forehead, upper back and shoulders. It is because these areas of skin have the most oil (sebaceous) glands. Hair follicles are connected to oil glands.

Seek emergency medical assistance if after using a skin product you experience;

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Faintness
  • The tightness of the throat
  • Swelling of the eyes, lips, face, or tongue 

Minocycline Hydrochloride is a medication already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is in the class of drugs known as tetracycline antibiotics. This stops the growth and development of certain bacteria that cause the condition. Minocycline Hydrochloride comes as an extended-release tablet for oral use. Each tablet is available in the dosage strengths of 55 mg, 65 mg, 80 mg, 105 mg, and 115 mg. 

How does Minocycline Hydrochloride work?

Minocycline Hydrochloride is active against the bacteria associated with acne. This is a common type of bacteria that feeds on sebum [produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands. It also makes them inflamed and causing spots. By controlling bacterial numbers, minocycline brings the inflammation of the sebaceous glands under control. It also allows the skin to heal. 

For a wide variety of infections, this medication stops the bacteria from growing and increasing in numbers. To make sure the bacteria causing an infection are susceptible to minocycline, your doctor may take a tissue sample. A swab from the infected area or a urine, sputum, or blood sample will do. 

How to use Minocycline Hydrochloride?

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. You should take this medication exactly as it is prescribed. Do not take more or less or more often than it is given by your doctor. Your doctor may start giving you at a lower dose and gradually increase it. 

Minocycline Hydrochloride is to be taken by mouth. Usually, this is taken every 12 hours at least an hour or 2 hours before a meal. If a stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help. However, Minocycline Hydrochloride may not work as well if you take it with food or milk, so ask your doctor if you may take it that way. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking a dose of this medication. 

Swallow the tablet as a whole with a full glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it. Remember to take it at the same time and in the same way every day. For the best benefit, take it regularly. This drug may help control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition. Even if you feel well, continue to take this prescription. Do not suddenly stop taking this without consulting your doctor. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Never mind the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule if it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

What are the side effects of Minocycline Hydrochloride?

Common side effects:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Dizziness
  • Light-headedness
  • Spinning sensation
  • Drowsiness
  • Unsteadiness
  • Tired feeling
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Mouth sores
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Skin rash or itching
  • Discoloration or your gums
  • Swollen tongue
  • Vaginal itching or discharge 

Let your doctor know right away if you have these serious side effects:

  • Muscle pain
  • Sunburn
  • Changes in the amount of urine
  • Difficult or painful swallowing
  • Pink urine, brown or gray tooth discoloration
  • Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
  • Stopping of menstrual periods 
  • New signs of infection (chills, fever, or persistent sore throat)

Warnings and Precautions

  • This medication is not recommended in children under 12 years or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Minocycline Hydrochloride can be deposited in the baby’s growing bone which may affect their development. 
  • People with kidney failure should also not take this medication. 
  • If you are allergic to Minocycline Hydrochloride, let your doctor know right away. If you have any allergies, tell your doctor. This drug may have an inactive ingredient that causes an allergic reaction. 
  • Some people might need a lower Minocycline Hydrochloride dose or extra monitoring. Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney or liver problems, taking medicines that can have side effects on the liver, or you have an inflammatory condition. If you have myasthenia gravis, you may need to lower your dose as well. 
  • It’s possible that if you drink an excessive amount of alcohol with this medicine, it could increase the risk of getting side effects on your liver. 
  • Before you take Minocycline Hydrochloride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re already taking any medicines including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines. Also, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while you’re taking Minocycline Hydrochloride. 
  • If you need to take a painkiller while you’re taking Minocycline Hydrochloride, it’s fine to take paracetamol or ibuprofen.