Minocycline is a medication used to manage a wide array of bacterial infections. According to drugs.com, it can treat chlamydia, urinary tract infections, acne and gonorrhea. Minocycline belongs to the group of medications known as tetracycline antibiotics, says MedlinePlus. It is available as a tablet, and patients typically take it one hour before eating or as the doctor prescribes.
Common Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, minocycline can cause rectal or vaginal itching, light-headedness and diarrhea. Lightheadedness is typically the consequence of hypotension (lower blood pressure). When reduced amounts of blood flow through the body, not enough flows to the brain. Excessive and chronic diarrhea may lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels) and dehydration. Patients should eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, and should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to replenish fluid lost through diarrhea. Patients may notice sunburn and changes in skin color because minocycline can make the skin sensitive to ultraviolet light from sun exposure (photosensitivity). Daily application of sunblock and avoidance of the sun during peak hours can help with this. Another side effect is hearing problems and tinnitus (ringing in the ears), which can be bothersome. Patients should report this effect to their doctor, who may lower the dosage.
Serious Side Effects
Minocycline can have an entire slew of serious side effects. Drugs.com says potentially life-threatening effects include severe stomach pain that radiates to the back, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are typically signs of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Inform your physician, and he will draw blood to assess enzymes that indicate pancreatitis. Minocylcine can also cause yellowing of the skin (jaundice) from liver damage. Other troubling side effects are blurry vision, decreased urination, fever, chills, weakness and poor appetite. Decreased urination for more than two weeks may be a sign of acute renal failure. If a blood test for this is positive, you will receive intravenous hydration to improve kidney function.
Additional Concerns
Minocycline should not be taken by people who are allergic to it or along with tretinoin, colestipol, warfarin or amoxicillin. Children less than eight years old should not use minocycline, as it can color a young child's teeth a shade of gray, yellow or brown. Pregnant women should avoid this drug because of the risk of difficulty breathing or hives and the risk of birth defects.
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