Minocycline

About Minocycline 100mg Tablets

Acne affects 95% of us between the ages of 11 and 30. There is no quick fix when it comes to treating acne, instead; acne treatments are intended to fight against the acne causing bacteria and gradually clear it from the surface of the skin. You can buy Minocycline 100mg tablets online from Medicine Direct, complete your online consultation and get started on your acne treatment plan.

What is Minocycline?

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that fights off infection in the body. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be used to treat a range of different problems.

Minocycline is commonly prescribed to treat acne, as well as a number of infections.

It is sometimes sold under the brand name Minocin MR (modified release).

You cannot buy Minocycline unless you have been prescribed it by a doctor.

What is Minocycline used to treat?

Minocycline is often prescribed as a treatment for acne and other bacterial infections.

It can also be used in cases of sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea and syphilis, as well as common infections like bladder infections, skin infections and tick fever.

As an acne treatment, Minocycline works to kill the harmful bacteria that builds up on the skin. It should be taken for at least 6 weeks.

Minocycline has been described as one of the most effective acne medications available.

What causes acne?

Acne is a very common skin condition that can affect people of all ages. It occurs when excessive amounts of an oily substance released by the sebaceous glands (sebum) and dead skin cells build up on the skin. This allows bacteria to grow on the skin’s surface. Waste products from the bacteria block the skin’s pores, which leads to redness and inflammation.

Acne is especially prominent in adolescents and young adults. It affects 95% of people aged between 11 and 30 to some extent.

How does Minocycline work to treat acne?

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of the bacteria that causes acne.

It will help to kill P. acnes, which can build up in the pores and cause acne. By killing these bacteria, inflammation will also be reduced. Minocycline also has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning that it is able to alleviate redness and inflammation caused by acne.

Who can take Minocycline?

While Minocycline is generally safe to take, Minocycline may not be suitable for everyone.

Before your doctor gives you a prescription to use this medicine, you should let them know if you have any of these conditions:

• Asthma or a sulphite allergy
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease

Children should not take this medicine unless they have been specifically instructed to do so by their doctor. Do not give Minocycline to children under 12 years old.

Can you buy Minocycline over the counter?

No, Minocycline is not for sale over the counter. You will need to have a prescription to be able to buy this from a pharmacy.

Can you buy Minocycline online in the UK?

You can buy Minocycline online from Medicine Direct, but you will first need to fill out an online consultation questionnaire. The answers you provide in this questionnaire will be reviewed by one of our doctors, pharmacists or prescribers, who will assess your condition to make sure that Minocycline is the right treatment for you.

To ensure you only order genuine and approved medication, never order any medicine online from anywhere but regulated pharmacies, like Medicine Direct. Full details on the organisations that regulate our company can be found on the About Us page.

What can I take instead of Minocycline?

Minocycline is the active ingredient contained in another treatment, Minocin, which is also prescribed to treat acne.

Alternatives to Minocycline include:

• Tetralysal
• Oxytetracycline
• Lymecycline

Topical treatments for acne are also available, such as:

• Acnecide
• Duac gel
• Zineryt lotion
• Dalacin T lotion
• Treclin gel

Minocycline Dosage

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE guidelines when prescribing Minocycline.

The following doses may be recommended for adults to treat these conditions:

Always take the dose that your doctor has prescribed you. Ask them if you are not sure how much to take.

How to take Minocycline

Take Minocycline while standing or sitting upright. Do not take it straight before bed or before lying down.

Swallow Minocycline tablets whole with a drink of water.

Do not take this medicine at the same time as food or any dairy products, as this may stop the medicine from being absorbed and make Minocycline less effective.

Minocycline must not be taken by children under 12 years of age.

Always read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before you start to take Minocycline.

Minocycline common side effects

Not everyone will suffer from side effects while taking Minocycline, but you should seek medical attention if you suffer from any of these reactions while taking the medicine:

• Numbness or pins and needles
• Hair loss
• A headache
• Feeling sick or loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness or a spinning sensation
• Discolouration of your nails or skin
• A cough

This medicine can make you sunburn more easily, so you should wear sunscreen and cover your skin if you go out in the sun. You should also avoid using tanning beds.

Always read the patient information leaflet thoroughly to see the full list of adverse effects you may experience.

Minocycline Warnings and drug interactions

Minocycline (Minocin MR) may interact with other drugs you are currently taking, whether they are to treat acne or another condition altogether.

Other drugs you should avoid while taking Minocycline include:

• Blood thinners like Warfarin
• Isotretinoin
• Ergot medicines
• Any antibiotics that contain Penicillin

This list is not exhaustive. You must always read the patient information leaflet, which will come with your medicine, for the full list of drugs that can interact with Minocycline.

If you have any concerns, questions or doubts at all, do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, before you start to take this medicine to treat acne or any other condition.

Is it safe to take Minocycline during preganancy and breastfeeding?

Minocycline is not indicated for use during preganacy and breastfeeding due to the effects on infants. Always speak to your doctor if you are planning to become preganat or intend to breastfeed. Learn more about taking minocycline during preganacy and breastfeeding. 

Similarly, this is not a suitable treatment for anyone who is currently breastfeeding.

Does Minocycline interact with the contraceptive pill?

Minocycline can influence how well birth control pills work, so you should speak to your doctor about using a non-hormonal contraceptive, such as spermicide, to help prevent pregnancy while taking Minocycline.

Minocycline Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Minocycline hydrochloride

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics