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Minocycline

Brand names: Minocin, Solodyn, Amzeeq (foam)

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic often used for acne and some skin infections.

Brand namesMinocin, Solodyn, Amzeeq (foam)
Type of medicineTetracycline antibiotic
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It can cause dizziness and, with long use, blue-gray skin discoloration.

What it's used for

  • Acne
  • Some skin infections, including MRSA
  • Other bacterial infections

How to take it

  • Take it with a full glass of water, with or without food.
  • Separate it from dairy, antacids, iron, and calcium by 2 to 3 hours.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Blue-gray skin or gum color (long use)
Call 911Rash with fever, swollen glands, and face swelling (rare DRESS reaction)
Call your provider todaySevere headache with blurry vision
Call your provider todayJoint pain, rash, and fever (lupus-like reaction)
Call your provider todaySevere watery or bloody diarrhea, even weeks after finishing (possible C. diff infection)

Warnings

  • Not for children under 8 (tooth discoloration).
  • Don't drive until you know how dizziness affects you.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Isotretinoin raises the risk of high brain pressure.
  • Dairy, antacids, iron, and calcium block absorption.
  • It can raise the effect of warfarin.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not used in pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Don't double up, and still finish the full course.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.