Brand name:
CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin)
Pronounced: MIN-o-sin
Generic name: Minocycline hydrochloride
Other brand name: Dynacin
Why is CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) prescribed?

CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) is a form of the antibiotic tetracycline.It is given to help treat many different kinds of infection, including:

Acne Amebic dysentery Anthrax Cholera Gonorrhea (when penicillin cannot be given) Plague
Respiratory infections such as pneumonia
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Syphilis (when penicillin cannot be given)
Urinary tract infections, rectal infections, and infections of the cervix caused by certain microbes
Most important fact about CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin)

To help clear up your infection completely, keep taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better after a few days. CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin), like other antibiotics, works best when there is a constant amount in the body. To help keep the level constant, take the doses at evenly spaced times around the clock.

It's important to take CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) exactly as your doctor prescribes. Skipping doses or not completing the full dosage schedule may decrease the drug's effectiveness and increase the chances of bacterial resistance to CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) and similar antibiotics.
How should you take CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) without prescription?

You should take CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) exactly as directed. Your doctor will prescribe it for a specific number of days according to the type of infection being treated; keep taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) until you have used it all up.

To reduce the risk of throat irritation, take the capsule and tablet forms of CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) with plenty of fluids. Swallow the pellet-filled capsules whole.

You should avoid use of antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, such as Maalox and Mylanta, and iron preparations such as Feosol. If you must take these medicines, take them 2 to 3 hours before or after taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin).

If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember, then space out evenly any remaining doses for that day. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions...

Store capsules, tablets, or liquid at room temperature. Keep capsules and tablets away from moist places and direct light. Do not freeze the liquid.
CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin).

* Side effects may include:
Abdominal cramping, blisters, blood disorders, bruising, colitis, cough, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, discolored skin or tooth enamel, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, heart inflammation, hives, indigestion, inflamed mouth or tongue, itching, hives, joint stiffness or swelling, kidney disorders, liver disorders, loss of appetite, muscle pain, nausea, pancreatitis, peeling skin, rash, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, severe allergic reactions, shortness of breath, swelling of face and neck, swollen lymph nodes, swollen mouth and throat, vaginal inflammation, vertigo, vomiting, wheezing

Why should CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) not be prescribed?

Do not take CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or to any other tetracycline antibiotic.

Although CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) may be given to kill meningococcal (spinal) bacteria in people who are carriers, it should not be given to treat actual meningococcal meningitis (inflammation in the spinal canal).

CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) is not a first-choice drug for treating any staphylococcal ("staph") infection.
Special warnings about CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin)

If you have a kidney problem, a normal dose of CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) may amount to an overdose for you and could cause liver damage. Use caution if you have a liver condition. Expect a lower-than-average dosage if you have a kidney problem. If you need to take CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) for an extended period of time, your doctor may order frequent blood tests to make sure you are not getting too much of the drug.

Because CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) may make you dizzy or light-headed or cause a whirling feeling, do not drive, climb, or perform hazardous tasks until you know how CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) affects you.

CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) should not be given to children 8 years old or younger, since it may cause discoloration of the teeth. Occasionally, CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) has also caused tooth discoloration in adults.

Like other tetracycline antibiotics, CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) may cause a sensitivity to light, and you may sunburn very easily. Be careful in sun and under sunlamps. If your skin turns red and hot, stop taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) immediately.

While taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) you may be especially susceptible to infections, including fungus infections such as vaginal yeast infection. If you do get an infection, check with your doctor immediately.

If you get a headache and blurry vision while taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin), or if an infant receiving CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) develops bulging of the "soft spots" (fontanels) on the head, this could mean that the drug is causing a buildup of fluid within the skull. It is important to stop taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) and see a doctor immediately.

CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) liquid contains a sulfite that can cause severe allergic reactions in susceptible people.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin)

If CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) with the following:

Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, such as Mylanta
Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Iron-containing preparations such as Feosol
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Oral contraceptives
Penicillin (Pen-Vee K)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. If you take CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) during the second half of pregnancy, it may cause permanent yellow, gray, or brown discoloration of your baby's teeth.

There is reason to believe that taking CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) during pregnancy could also harm the baby in other ways. Therefore, CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) should be taken during pregnancy only as a last resort. Because CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) appears in breast milk and could harm the baby, it should not be taken by a woman who is breastfeeding. If CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin)

ADULTS : Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect symptoms of an overdose of CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin), seek medical attention immediately.

* Symptoms of CYNOMYCIN (Minocycline, Minocin) overdose may include:
Dizziness, nausea, vomiting