Home Drug Guide Minocycline Hydrochloride

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Minocycline Hydrochloride

Brand Names Minocin, Arestin, Solodyn, Dynacin, Ximino, Minolira, Amzeeq, Zilxi, Emrosi

Classification

Therapeutic: Antibiotic, Tetracycline class

Pharmacological: Tetracycline antibiotic mechanism of action

FDA Approved Indications

Acne vulgaris
Periodontal infections (Arestin)
Respiratory tract infections
Urinary tract infections
Skin infections

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing addition of amino acids to growing peptide chains, leading to bacteriostatic effects.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Dose varies based on condition; e.g., for acne: 50-100 mg once or twice daily.

Pediatric: Typically used for children ≥8 years; dose based on weight.

Geriatric: Adjusted based on renal and hepatic function, monitor for increased adverse effects.

Renal Impairment: Use with caution; dose adjustment may be necessary.

Hepatic Impairment: Use cautiously; monitor liver function

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally, slightly affected by food.

Distribution: Widely distributed in body tissues and fluids.

Metabolism: Minimal hepatic metabolism.

Excretion: Primarily via bile and feces; some renal excretion.

Half Life: Approx. 11-22 hours, depending on renal function.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
Pregnancy (especially during the last half of pregnancy), lactation, children <8 years due to teeth discoloration and bone growth inhibition.

Precautions

Use with caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
Photosensitivity risk.

Adverse Reactions - Common

Gastrointestinal upset (Common)
Dizziness, vertigo (Common)
Photosensitivity (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus (Rare)
Vestibular toxicity (dizziness, vertigo) at higher doses (Rare)
Hepatotoxicity (Rare)
Serum sickness (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

Penicillins (may inactivate minocycline)
Retinoids (risk of intracranial hypertension)
Oral contraceptives (reduced efficacy)

Drug-Food Interactions

Dairy products, calcium, magnesium, aluminum-containing antacids, and iron supplements (decrease absorption)

Drug-Herb Interactions

N/A

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor for signs of superinfection, gastrointestinal disturbances, and photosensitivity.

Diagnoses:

Risk for infection related to antibiotic use
Risk for photosensitivity skin reaction

Implementation: Administer with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset, but avoid dairy or antacids close to the dose time.

Evaluation: Assess for decrease in infection Signs/Symptoms, monitor for adverse effects.

Patient/Family Teaching

Take medication exactly as prescribed.
Avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen.
Avoid taking with dairy products, antacids, or iron supplements at the same time.
Report any severe side effects or allergic reactions.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

Vestibular disturbances at high doses.
Permanent tooth discoloration and inhibition of bone growth in children under 8 years.
Photosensitivity risk.

Genetic Factors: None specific.

Lab Test Interference: May affect results of serum bilirubin, liver function tests, and urine studies.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; dizziness; vertigo.

Treatment: Supportive care, gastric lavage if recent ingestion, and monitoring. Dialysis is rarely necessary.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.