Minocin is a brand name for the tetracycline-derived antibiotic minocycline hydrochloride. This prescription-only medicine is effective for treating acne, but it causes some rare but serious side effects not generally associated with other antibiotics. For this reason, minocin is usually only indicated for severe acne that has not responded to other therapy, according to an article published in the May 1, 2004 issue of "American Family Physician."
The Problem
Acne typically begins with overactive sebaceous glands producing excessive skin oil. The excess skin oil prevents dead skin cells from shedding, and these cells and the oil clog pores and lead to pimples. The blocked pores allow the anaerobic acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes to thrive. As P. acnes accumulates, the immune system responds with inflammation. People with severe acne develop a large number of inflamed blemishes, including cysts and nodules. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Minocin for treating severe acne.
Antibiotic Treatment
Topical antibiotics and other preparations are effective for treating mild to moderate acne, according to the "American Family Physician" article. When acne does not respond to topical treatment, dermatologists often recommend using oral antibiotics, which they also prescribe as initial therapy for individuals with moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Erythromycin, tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline are most commonly prescribed oral antibiotics for acne therapy.
Function
Minocin interferes with the ability of bacteria to grow and reproduce, explains Net Doctor. This stops the spread of P. acnes and allows the immune system to eliminate any remaining bacteria. Minocin has anti-inflammatory properties that help the skin heal, and inflammation also decreases in response to reduced bacteria numbers.
Time Frame
Results when taking Minocin are often not apparent for six to eight weeks, and the course of treatment usually lasts for six months, according to the "American Family Physician" article. Some patients may need longer-term therapy to keep their symptoms under control. After oral antibiotic treatment is discontinued, the individual can continue using topical antibiotics to prevent or decrease breakouts.
Side Effects
Oral antibiotics used to treat acne, including Minocin, can cause digestive side effects of heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Antibiotics also may cause bowel inflammation, known as colitis, which can occur during or after treatment. The main symptom is severe diarrhea. Colitis calls for prompt medical attention. Oral antibiotics for treating acne also may cause dizziness, vertigo, drowsiness, headache, ringing in the ears and increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Doctors usually do not prescribe minocycline unless the patient does not respond to other antibiotics or cannot tolerate those medications, according to the "American Family Physician" article. Although occurrences are rare, minocycline is more likely than the other antibiotics to cause hypersensitivity reactions, a lupus-like syndrome, and skin and mucous membrane discoloration.
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