INFO - ACR: minocycline for RA

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American College of Rheumatology

Last updated June 2006

Excerpt:

Minocin (minocycline)

Description

Minocycline (Minocin) is a member of the tetracycline group of antibiotics.

Although rheumatoid arthritis is not an infection, minocycline may improve

the signs and symptoms of this disease. There is evidence minocycline may

slow the progression of joint damage in arthritis and prevent disability

like other drugs in the class known as DMARDs (disease-modifying

antirheumatic drugs).

Uses

Minocycline is prescribed for patients with symptoms of mild rheumatoid

arthritis, sometimes in combination with other medications to treat patients

with persistent symptoms of this form of arthritis.

How it works

Minocycline is an antibiotic, which means it helps neutralize or kill

bacteria that cause infections. When used to treat rheumatoid arthritis,

however, minocycline works through a different mechanism to control

inflammation. Minocycline decreases the production of substances causing

inflammation, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, while increasing

production of interleukin-10, a substance that reduces inflammation.

Dosing

Minocycline usually is given as a 100 milligram (mg) capsule twice a day. It

may be taken with food, although it should not be taken with other

medications such as antacids or iron tablets.

For the entire article, please see:

http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/minocycline.asp

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