Minocin contains the active ingredient minocycline and helps to treat the same conditions as its active ingredient. You may be prescribed minocycline if you have a bacterial infection such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Minocycline is in an antibiotic that works by preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. Minocycline comes in capsule form and works best when you take it on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
First identified in the Rocky Mountains, this bacterial infection comes from tick bites. Ticks attach to the skin of humans to feed on their blood. Rocky Mountain spotted fever may become serious, or even fatal if it is not treated properly. This infection usually shows up as a rash of small red spots or blotches on the wrists, ankles, hands and feet. If the infection reaches the bloodstream, it can spread to other areas of the body including the arms, legs and torso. You can tell if the condition is worsening as the red bumps turn into bruises or bloody patches under the skin. Other signs of advanced infection include widespread aches and pains, diarrhea, restlessness and delirium. Antibiotics such as Minocin, which is in the class of antibiotics known as tetracycline antibiotics, are used to eliminate the infection from Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Urinary Tract Infections
Your urinary tract includes several body parts including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. A urinary tract infection is an infection that begins in any part of your urinary tract, although most commonly they begin in the bladder or urethra. You may have a urinary tract infection if you have a strong and persistent urge to urinate, if you experience a burning sensation during urination or if you pass small amount of urine. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection appear in your urine itself as well. If your urine is cloudy or if it has a bright pink or cola coloring, you may be infected. In women, a urinary tract infection will result in pelvic pain. In men, an infection will result in rectal pain. If left untreated, urinary tract infections may become serious, especially if they spread to the kidneys. Antibiotics such as minocycline are prescribed to treat simple urinary tract infections, and the entire course of antibiotics should be taken, even after symptoms subside.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of your lungs caused by an infection of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Pneumonia can happen to anyone, but those who are over 65 with a chronic illness or impaired immune system are at an especially high risk. Antibiotics such as minocycline treat bacterial pneumonia, however antibiotic-resistant strains of the infection exist, so prevention of the infection is very important. Because pneumonia often arises as a complication of a cold or the flu, you should see a doctor immediately if you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain or unexplained fever. Muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, shaking chills and sweating are also possible signs of pneumonia.
