Minocycline, an antibiotic, eliminates bacteria that cause pneumonia; acne; and infections of skin, genital, and urinary systems; and the central nervous system. Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Minocycline may cause an upset stomach. Take minocycline with food or milk.

Although side effects from minocycline are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

* upset stomach
* itching of the rectum or vagina
* diarrhea
* dizziness or lightheadedness
* furry darkening or black discoloration of the tongue

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

* skin rash
* unusual bleeding or bruising
* pain or discomfort in the mouth
* throat sores
* fever or chills

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to minocycline.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Your prescription is probably not refillable. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the minocycline, call your doctor.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minocycline comes as a capsule, tablet, and a liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice a day (every 12 hours) but may be taken up to four times a day. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. Minocycline may be taken with or without food. Drink a full glass of water with each dose.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take minocycline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Before taking minocycline,

* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfites, or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), penicillin, and vitamins. Minocycline decreases the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; another form of birth control should be used while taking this drug.
* be aware that antacids, calcium supplements, iron products, and laxatives containing magnesium interfere with minocycline, making it less effective. Take minocycline 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids (including sodium bicarbonate), calcium supplements, and laxatives containing magnesium. Take minocycline 2 hours before or 3 hours after iron preparations and vitamin products that contain iron.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or kidney or liver disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking minocycline, call your doctor immediately. Minocycline can harm the fetus.