Minocycline 100mg MR Caps (Acne)

Minocycline is an oral antibiotic that kills acne bacteria on the skin and is used to treat moderate to severe acne (see our Acne guide for more guidance) where there may be widespread blackheads, whiteheads, inflammation, redness and several pus-filled spots (pustules). They are taken once daily, and the standard course is for 2-3 months minimum, although most people see some benefit within a few weeks. The modified release (MR) formulation means it only has to be taken once per day so the medication is essentially fighting the acne bacteria all day and night.

Minocycline will help kill and reduce the number of acne bacteria living on the surface of the skin. As a result, the acne bacteria are less likely to break down the sebum (grease) into free fatty acids which can irritate and inflame acne spots. Improvement in acne symptoms should be seen after a few weeks. Minocycline is from the class of antibiotics known as tetracyclines- which are bactericidal (they kill bacteria). They have been around for 50+ years and work by inhibiting protein synthesis within the acne bacteria. Minocycline is also an anti-inflammatory agent which makes it particularly useful in the treatment of acne.

• The usual dosage is One Capsule Daily, to be taken at the same time each day (at any time of day that is convenient).
• Take with a full glass of water and on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after food)
• Leave a gap of 2 hours either side of taking any other medications.
• Take for a minimum of 2 months although it can be taken for up to 6 months depending on response and appropriateness. Talk to one of our pharmacists or your doctor if in doubt.
• Use with an acne friendly cleanser and a topical acne treatment for best results e.g., Benzoyl peroxide, Adapalene or Epiduo for best results (see our acne guide for more information).
• Do not use with other topical antibiotics as this can create bacterial resistance.

•    Do not take Minocycline if you are allergic or suspect allergy to any of the ingredients listed below.

•    Do not take Minocycline if you have kidney or liver failure, SLE or Myasthenia Gravis.

•    Do not use if you are under 12 years old as this can cause permanent damage, including to bones and teeth.

•    Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

•    Drug interactions- Please speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking Minocycline if you are taking any of the following medications (this list is not exhaustive so please check if in doubt): Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Cefadroxil, Cefaclor, Cefalexin ,Quinapril, Ranitidine, Antacids, Iron, Calcium, Aluminium, Kaolin, Strontium Ranelate, Ergotamine, Warfarin, Amiloride, Furosemide, Oral Contraceptive Pills, Oral Retinoids (including Isotretinoin)

This medication is not safe for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding as this medication could cause damage to the unborn baby or breastfed baby.

Active Ingredients: Minocycline hydrochloride 100mg

Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Povidone, Iron Oxide Red (E172), Iron Oxide Yellow (E172), Silica Colloidal Anhydrous, Magnesium Stearate, Hypromellose Phthalate, Triethyl Citrate, Carnauba Wax, Gelatin, Opadry OY-S-24932 Pink Which Contains Hypromellose 2910, Macrogol 6000, Titanium Dioxide (E171), Talc, Iron Oxide Red (E172).

Shelf Life: As per expiry date.

All medications and products can potentially cause side effects- If they are severe, or are mild and do not improve, then you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive so please consult the patient information leaflet for the full list.

Common Side effects (affecting 1%- 10% of people): Dizziness (light-headedness).
Uncommon Side effects (affecting 0.1%-1% of people): Fever.

There are many other Acne treatments available which are listed in our Acne guide. If you need help choosing, then start a quick questionnaire-based consultation or book in for a friendly telephone or video consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists.