Uses Of Minocycline Topical
Minocycline topical is used to treat certain types of acne in adults and children 9 years of age and older. Minocycline is in a class of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. It works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that infects pores and decreasing a certain natural oily substance that causes acne.
Side Effects Of Minocycline Topical
Minocycline topical may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- redness
- darkening of skin, scars, teeth, or gums
- redness, dryness, itching, or skin peeling
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fever, rash, joint pain, or extreme tiredness
- yellowing of skin or eyes, itching, dark-colored urine, light-colored bowel movements, loss of appetite, stomach pain, extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting, or confusion
- blurred vision, double vision, vision loss, or unusual headaches
- rash, hives, mouth sores, skin blisters, and peeling, swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- blood in urine
- swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet
- watery or bloody stools, stomach cramps, or fever during treatment or for up to 2 or more months after stopping treatment
Minocycline topical may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before using minocycline topical:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to minocycline, sarecycline, doxycycline, omadacycline, tetracycline, demeclocycline, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in minocycline foam. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); isotretinoin (Absorica, Amnesteem, Clavaris, Myorisan, Zenatane); or penicillin. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have diarrhea or watery stools. Also, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma, lupus (a condition in which the immune system attacks many tissues and organs including the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys), intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri; high pressure in the skull that may cause headaches, blurry or double vision, vision loss, and other symptoms), or kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using minocycline, call your doctor immediately. Minocycline topical can harm the fetus.
- you should know that minocycline topical may make you lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Minocycline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
- you should know that when minocycline topical is used during pregnancy or in babies or children up to age 8, it can cause the teeth to become permanently stained or temporarily affect bone growth. Minocycline should not be used in pregnant women or in children 8 years of age or younger.
Dosage
Minocycline topical comes as a foam to apply to the skin. It is usually used once daily, at least 1 hour before bedtime. Use minocycline at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use minocycline exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Minocycline foam may catch fire. Stay away from open fire, flames, and do not smoke while you are applying minocycline foam, and for a short time afterward.
To use the minocycline topical foam, follow these steps:
- Shake the minocycline foam well before use. Allow the can to warm to room temperature before first use.
- Wash the affected skin with water and a mild cleanser and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Apply a thin layer onto the fingertips of the hand and apply it to the affected acne on the face. Be careful not to get minocycline in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- If acne is on the neck, shoulders, arms, back, or chest, apply the minocycline foam to these parts. Do not let minocycline get into your eyes, mouth, corners along with your nose, or vaginal area.
- Do not bathe, shower, or swim for at least 1 hour after applying the medication.
- Wash your hands after applying minocycline topical to the affected skin.
- Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are using topical minocycline.
Minocycline topical may stain fabric.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
