Minocycline: What It Treats and How to Use It Safely

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic you’ll see prescribed for acne, respiratory infections, and some skin and soft tissue infections. It works by stopping bacteria from making proteins they need to grow. That makes it useful for a range of infections—but it’s not a one-size-fits-all drug. Knowing when and how to take minocycline helps you get better results and avoid problems.

How minocycline is used

Doctors often pick minocycline for moderate to severe acne because it reaches skin tissues well. It also treats respiratory infections, certain urinary tract infections, and infections caused by MRSA in some cases. Your provider will decide based on the type of bacteria and your medical history. For acne, short courses are common at first; for systemic infections, dosing and length depend on the bug and how you respond to treatment.

Typical adult dosing ranges from 100 mg once or twice daily. Some infections need a higher start dose or longer duration. Never change dose or stop early without talking to your prescriber—stopping too soon can let bacteria survive and become resistant.

Taking minocycline safely

Take minocycline with a full glass of water while sitting upright. That lowers the chance of throat irritation or ulcers. Avoid taking it with dairy, calcium supplements, iron, or antacids within two hours—those reduce absorption. Food can reduce stomach upset, but high-fat meals may delay absorption; follow your doctor’s advice.

Avoid sunburn: minocycline raises sun sensitivity. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Also, it shouldn’t be used in pregnancy or by children under 8 because it can affect bone and tooth development. Tell your provider if you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, and skin pigmentation changes. More serious but rare issues are severe allergic reactions, liver problems, and a condition called drug-induced lupus. If you notice yellowing skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, new joint pain, or an unusual rash, seek medical care right away.

Drug interactions matter. Minocycline can boost the effect of blood thinners like warfarin and interact with isotretinoin (increasing risk of pressure in the skull). Always list all your medicines, vitamins, and supplements when you talk to the prescriber.

Finish the full prescribed course even if you feel better, unless a provider tells you to stop. Missing doses or stopping early increases resistance risk and might make the next treatment less effective. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next dose—don’t double up.

Store minocycline at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children. If you have persistent side effects or symptoms that don’t improve in 48–72 hours, call your healthcare provider. They may need to switch antibiotics or run tests.

Got questions about interactions, pregnancy safety, or long-term use for acne? Bring them up with your prescriber or pharmacist. Clear, specific answers will help you use minocycline effectively and safely.