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

Contraindications

The following are reasons not to take Minomycin:

• patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the tetracycline antibiotics
• severe renal insufficiency
• pregnancy and lactation
• children under 12 years of age

Dosage and Administration

Therapy should continue for at least 24 to 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

Adults

Acne vulgaris

100 mg daily, given as a single dose or 50 mg twice daily. Duration of therapy varies depending upon response. Acne patients have been safely treated with minocycline for periods over 6 months.

Non-gonococcal urethritis

100 mg daily for 10-14 days.

Gonorrhoea

Adult males: 200 mg initially followed by 100 mg every 12 hours for a minimum of 4 days with post-therapy cultures within 2-3 days. Adult females may require therapy for 10-14 days at the same dosage indicated for males.

Systemic infections

The usual dosage of minocycline is 100 mg every 12 hours.

Prophylaxis of asymptomatic meningococcal carriers

100 mg bid for five days, usually followed by a course of rifampicin.

Children above twelve years of age

Usual paediatric dose: 4 mg/kg followed by 2 mg/kg every 12 hours. Use sufficient liquids when taking medicine to prevent oesophageal irritation.

Elderly Patients

Minocycline may be used at the normal recommended dosage in elderly patients even with mild to moderate renal impairment.

Patients with Renal Impairment

Total dosage in patients with severe renal impairment should be decreased by reduction of recommended doses and/or by extending time intervals between doses.

Treatment of Streptococcal Infections

A therapeutic dose of minocycline should be administered for at least 10 days.

Treatment of Gonococcal Infections

Gonorrhoea patients sensitive to penicillin may be treated with minocycline administered as 200 mg initially followed by 100 mg every 12 hours for a minimum of 4 days, with post-therapy cultures within 2-3 days. In the treatment of uncomplicated gonococcal urethritis in men, 100 mg twice a day orally for 5 days is recommended. Adult females with acute gonococcal infections require more extended therapy.

Side Effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include:

• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• indigestion
• lightheadedness
• unsteadiness
• 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
• 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.

Storage

Store below 25°C (77°F)