Side Effects of Minocin

Minocycline, known by the brand name Minocin, is a type of tetracycline antibiotic that you take by mouth as a liquid, capsule or tablet or have injected into a vein. It may be used to treat serious conditions caused by mycobacteria and chlamydia organisms; more commonly, minocycline is used to treat certain types of urinary tract infections and bacterial skin conditions (e.g., complicated acne). Tetracyclines have been used since 1948; all of the agents in this class have numerous documented side effects.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

The most common side effects of minocycline are stomach-related and include diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting and nausea. These effects are generally uncomplicated and resolve on their own.

Bone and Enamel Effects

Like other tetracycline drugs, minocycline can stain teeth and damage tooth enamel, and hamper bone growth in children younger than 8 years of age. Because of this, minocycline is not often used in young children or in women who are pregnant or nursing.

Headache and Sensitivities

Headache is another common side effect of minocycline, and it may be accompanied by dizziness. In addition, sensitivities to minocycline may occur and include photosensitivity (i.e., sun sensitivity) and allergic rash. Avoiding direct sunlight or sunlamps will reduce the sun sensitivity. Sometimes, the photosensitivity occurs together with the skin rash, which could be a sign of a drug allergy. Either alone or in combination, the sun sensitivity will likely last longer than the duration of minocycline use.