Minocycline (HCl)
Minocycline (HCl) Information

About Minocycline (HCl)

Minocycline (HCl) is a tetracycline antibiotic with activity against many gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Minocycline (HCl) is inactive against viruses and fungi. In general, minocycline is the most lipid soluble and is considered the most active of the tetracycline group. Like doxycycline, minocycline is considered a long-acting tetracycline. Because of its lipid solubility, minocycline attains concentrations in the tears and saliva sufficient to eradicate the meningococcal carrier state. Minocycline is equivalent to doxycycline in the treatment of nongonococcal urethritis and mucopurulent cervicitis, but causes fewer adverse effects than doxycycline. Minocycline also has activity against some bacteria that are resistant to other tetracyclines. It has recently been shown to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Minocycline was approved by the FDA in 1971. Minocycline (HCl) is generally bacteriostatic against most organisms, although high concentrations of tetracyclines may be bactericidal. Bacteriostatic action appears to be a result of reversible binding to ribosomal units of susceptible organisms and inhibition of protein synthesis

Indications

Minocycline (HCl) is primarily indicated in conditions like Acne, Bacterial infections, Cholera, Gonorrhoea, Granulomatous disease, Nocardiosis, Respiratory tract infections, Syphilis, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Acne vulgaris, Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (refractory to other treatment), Meningitis.

Contraindication

Minocycline (HCl) is contraindicated in conditions like Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Side Effects

The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Minocycline (HCl), which give rise to further complications include Stevens johnson syndrome, Stevens johnson syndrome.The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Minocycline (HCl) are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Vertigo, Fever, Erythema, Photosensitivity, Nausea and vomiting, Exfoliative dermatitis, Vestibular dysfunction, dizziness.

Warnings

Minocycline should be used with caution (if contains tartrazine) in patients with aspirin hypersensitivity, because it may cause allergic reactions (including bronchial asthma). Take appropriate measures if secondary infection occurs. Perform periodic lab.evaluation of organ system (e.g. liver or kidney) in case of long term therapy.

High Risk Groups

Drug should not be given to Paediatrics, Pregnant Mothers, patients suffering from Kidney dysfunction, patients suffering from Liver Malfunction, and Neonates.If prescribing authority justifies the benefits of the drug against the possible damages he/she should reevaluate them and consult the reference material and previous studies.