Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 27, 2021.
Available Dosage Forms:
- Powder
Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic
Chemical Class: Tetracycline (class)
Uses for minocycline
Minocycline is used to help treat periodontal disease (a disease of your gums). Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria growing beneath the gum line. Minocycline works by keeping the number of bacteria from growing. Lowering the amount of bacteria helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in your mouth, and the amount of bleeding around the teeth. Minocycline is placed in deep gum pockets next to your teeth in order to reduce the depth of the pockets.
Minocycline will be applied by your dentist or other oral health care professional.
Before using minocycline
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For minocycline, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to minocycline or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Use is not recommended in infants and children up to 8 years of age. Tetracyclines, such as minocycline, may cause permanent discoloration of teeth and slow down the growth of bones. The safety and effectiveness of minocycline have not been determined in children 8 years of age or older.
Geriatric
Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of minocycline in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Breastfeeding
Studies suggest that this medication may alter milk production or composition. If an alternative to this medication is not prescribed, you should monitor the infant for side effects and adequate milk intake.
