minocycline hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Tetracycline antibiotic
Licensed use
Treatment of acne
Administration
Swallow whole with plenty of fluid while sitting or standing
Food
May be taken with or without food; moderate amounts of milk do not significantly reduce absorption
What is minocycline hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK products are licensed for:
Acne
How does minocycline hydrochloride work?
Minocycline enters susceptible bacteria and inhibits the production of proteins needed for growth. It is mainly bacteriostatic, meaning it limits bacterial multiplication so infection and inflammation associated with acne can settle.
minocycline hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg
Modified-release capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 100 mg
How to take minocycline hydrochloride
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber’s instructions.
Swallow the modified-release capsule whole; do not chew or suck it.
Take it with plenty of fluid while sitting or standing to reduce irritation and ulceration of the oesophagus.
It may be taken with or without food.
Do not take it at the same time as antacids or supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, bismuth or zinc; ask a pharmacist how to separate them.
minocycline hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dizziness or light-headedness
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction
- Blistering, peeling or widespread severe skin reaction
- Severe headache with visual disturbance, suggesting raised pressure around the brain
- Liver inflammation or liver failure
- Lupus-like illness with joint symptoms, fever or rash
- Unusual blue, grey, black or brown pigmentation
- Breathlessness, chest pain or inflammation affecting the lungs or heart
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea
minocycline hydrochloride in pregnancy
The selected products are contraindicated during pregnancy. Tetracyclines are generally avoided after early pregnancy because they may affect developing teeth; early exposure is not known to cause harm. Anyone who becomes pregnant while taking minocycline should contact the prescriber promptly for review.
minocycline hydrochloride while breastfeeding
The selected product information lists breastfeeding as a contraindication. Minocycline may sometimes be considered cautiously when clinically necessary, with monitoring of a healthy, full-term infant for rash, vomiting, diarrhoea or thrush. Prescriber or specialist advice is important.
minocycline hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed medicines, supplements and non-prescription products with a pharmacist or prescriber.
Antacids and mineral supplements
Iron, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, bismuth and zinc can reduce minocycline absorption, so administration should be separated.
Isotretinoin and other systemic retinoids
Combining them can increase the risk of raised pressure around the brain and should be avoided around minocycline treatment.
Common questions about minocycline hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is minocycline hydrochloride used for in the UK?
The selected modified-release capsules are licensed for treating acne.
Is minocycline hydrochloride routinely started for acne?
Not usually in NHS primary care. NHS England advises against routine initiation because minocycline has important safety risks and alternatives are available.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.