Re: What is Minocycline from the American College of Rheumatology

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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.

Time to effect It may take 2 to 3 months before any improvement in arthritis

symptoms is experienced and up to a year before maximum benefits are realized.

Side Effects The most common side effects from this medicine are

gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness and skin rash. Patients who take this

medication for a long time may notice changes in their skin color, but this

usually resolves after stopping the medication.

Some women who take minocycline develop vaginal yeast infections. While this

can occur with other antibiotics, it seems more prevalent with minocycline and

other tetracyclines. It is thought minocycline kills bacteria normally present

in the body which protect against yeast infections.

Minocycline may increase sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in more frequent

sunburns or the development of rashes following sun exposure. It is recommended

patients apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) before outdoor activities or avoid

prolonged exposure to the sun while taking minocycline.

More rarely, minocycline can affect the kidneys or liver. Doctors may recommend

periodic blood tests for long-term users to check liver and kidney function. In

equally rare cases, minocycline can induce lupus, but this condition usually

improves after stopping the medication. Points to remember Before taking

minocycline, tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic

reaction to any other tetracycline antibiotic. Minocyline use during pregnancy

can slow the growth of teeth or bones in infants after birth as well as cause

discoloration of the newborn’s teeth when taken during the last half of

pregnancy. Because minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of some birth

control pills, talk with your doctor about other contraception options while

taking minocycline.

Minocycline is passed into breast milk, so mothers should avoid breast-feeding

to prevent delayed development of teeth and bones in their infants. Minocycline

can increase a nursing infant’s risk of fungal infections or dizziness in the

newborn. Because minocycline may cause discoloration of teeth and problems with

bone growth in young children, it is recommended that those younger than 8 years

old not take this medication. This is not a problem in older children and

adults.

Drug interactions Be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications

you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and natural remedies. Possible

interactions with minocycline may occur when taking warfarin (Coumadin),

antacids containing calcium, aluminum or magnesium (such as Tums, Rolaids,

Maalox, or Mylanta), iron tablets and oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

For more information The American College of Rheumatology has compiled this

list to give you a starting point for your own additional research. The ACR does

not endorse or maintain these Web sites, and is not responsible for any

information or claims provided on them. It is always best to talk with your

rheumatologist for more information and before making any decisions about your

care.

National Institutes of Health Medline Plus link

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682101.html Updated

June 2006.

Written by Cannon, MD, and reviewed by the American College of

Rhematology Patient Education Task Force.

© 2008 American College of Rheumatology

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