Minocycline
Minocycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as acne and certain gum diseases by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that treats bacterial infections by inhibiting protein synthesis.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A01AB23
- RxNorm
- 6980
- Generic
- Minocycline
- Class
- atc-a01
- Brands
- Ximino, Minocin, Minolira, Amzeeq, Zilxi, Emrosi, Arestin, Solodyn, Cleeravue-M
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, topical
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, gel, powder, suspension, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
contraindicated during pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm including permanent teeth discoloration, enamel hypoplasia, and inhibition of bone growth
regular fetal monitoring if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid use
contraindicated during third trimester due to risk to fetus and potential maternal liver toxicity
regular fetal monitoring and liver function tests
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid or discontinue breastfeeding
minocycline is excreted in breast milk; use is not recommended during breastfeeding due to risk of infant teeth discoloration and bone growth effects
monitor infant for signs of tetracycline toxicity
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
under 8 yearsavoid in children under 8 years
contraindicated in children under 8 years due to risk of permanent teeth discoloration and bone growth inhibition
monitor dental development and bone growth if use is necessary
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyadjust dose based on renal and hepatic function
use with caution in elderly patients; start at lower end of dosing range and monitor renal and hepatic function
regular monitoring of renal function, hepatic function, and vestibular function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose; use with caution
use with caution in patients with renal impairment; dose reduction may be necessary; monitor renal function regularly
monitor renal function tests including BUN and creatinine; consider drug level monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution; may require dose reduction
use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; monitor liver function tests; avoid in severe hepatic impairment if possible
regular monitoring of liver function tests including ALT, AST, and bilirubin
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Minocycline belongs to the tetracycline class of antibiotics
FDA first approved
Original FDA approval year for Minocycline
Primary indications
Common therapeutic uses for Minocycline
Commonly prescribed since
Widespread prescribing for acne treatment began in the 1980s
Minocycline is used to treat various bacterial infections including acne vulgaris, respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, and certain periodontal (gum) diseases. It is particularly effective for inflammatory acne that hasn't responded to other treatments.
As a tetracycline antibiotic, minocycline is primarily bacteriostatic, meaning it prevents bacteria from reproducing rather than killing them directly. It exerts this effect by binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunit and inhibiting the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain, thereby halting bacterial protein synthesis.
Minocycline should not be used by children under 8 years old, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Common side effects may include dizziness, nausea, and photosensitivity. Patients should avoid prolonged sun exposure and take with adequate water to prevent esophageal irritation. Antacids and dairy products may reduce absorption and should be avoided.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy