Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 23, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Amzeeq
- Cleeravue-M
- Zilxi
Available Dosage Forms:
- Foam
Therapeutic Class: Antiacne Antibacterial
Chemical Class: Tetracycline (class)
Uses for minocycline
Minocycline topical foam is used to treat moderate to severe acne vulgaris. Minocycline also treats inflammatory lesions (pimples and red bumps) caused by rosacea.
Minocycline belongs to the class of medicines known as tetracycline antibiotics. However, minocycline is not used to prevent or treat infections.
Minocycline is available only with your doctor's prescription.
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
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of minocycline topical foam to treat acne vulgaris in children 9 years of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 9 years of age to treat acne vulgaris, and have not been established in children to treat inflammatory lesions of rosacea.
Minocycline may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth and slow down bone growth. Minocycline should not be given to children 8 years of age and younger, unless directed by the child's doctor.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of minocycline topical foam in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of minocycline than younger adults.
