Minocycline is a prescription antibiotic medication that is used to treat bacterial infections in various parts of the body. Topical minocycline is prescribed for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne in patients over the age of 12.

Because minocycline is an antibiotic, it is ineffective against viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. This medication is prescribed to treat existing infections, and should not be used as a preventative measure against bacterial infections. Doing so can make you more resistant to antibiotic treatment.

Minocycline is used for the treatment of bacterial infections in various areas of the body. When supplied orally, minocycline treats infections of the respiratory tract (pneumonia), intestinal tract, lymphatic system, eyes, genitals, and urinary tract.

In addition to its use as an antibiotic, minocycline may be prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe acne in patients over the age of 12.

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog up your pores causing pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. It can occur in people of all ages but is most common during puberty, when sebaceous glands activate, producing oil.

Minocycline is classified as a tetracycline antibiotic medication. These drugs essentially kill harmful bacteria cells, which prevents them from repopulating and overgrowing. When the growth of these bacteria is curbed, the infection they cause will begin to heal.

As a treatment for acne, minocycline works by killing the pathogens that infect the pores of the skin and reducing the production of natural oils that cause acne.

Minocycline has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking minocycline include:

• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Tinnitus
  
• Hair loss
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Sore throat
  
• Mood changes
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as headache, rash, difficulty breathing, fever, bloody urine, itching skin, peeling or blistering skin, or vision changes.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with minocycline. Minocycline can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking minocycline, inform your health care provider immediately.

The exact dosage of minocycline will depend on the method of administration (oral vs. topical), the severity of the condition being treated, and your age.

Oral dosage: For bacterial infections, minocycline is prescribed as an oral tablet. Adults are prescribed a single 200 mg tablet, followed by 100 tablets taken every 12 hours. Some patients may be prescribed a 50 mg tablet to be taken 2-4 times a day.

Extended-release & topical dosage: For acne, minocycline is prescribed as an extended-release tablet and/ or topical foam. The exact dosage of extended-release tablets depends on the patient’s body weight. These tablets are usually taken once a day for 12 weeks.

Be sure to follow your provider’s dosage instructions. Do not increase the dosage or discontinue the use of minocycline without consulting with them first. Overdosing minocycline can cause serious adverse reactions. Not taking the medication throughout the whole course of treatment can cause the infection to recur. Follow the directions on the label and alert your health care provider if you begin to notice any side effects that do not go away within a day or two.

Minocycline is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not minocycline is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for minocycline to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.