Minocycline Dosage
Minocycline is one of the most commonly used antibiotics in dermatology. It is available as tablets, capsules, oral suspension, injectable solution and powder for dental procedures. One of its main uses is the treatment of inflammatory acne.
Adult and adolescent dosage for acne
The usual initial dose is 200 mg orally. Then the treatment continues with 50-100 mg twice a day. The maximum daily dose for the treatment of acne is 200 mg.
This treatment usually lasts for 4 to 12 weeks.
Children (8-12 years old)
The recommended dose depends mainly on the weight of the child. The initial dose is 4mg/kg. Then 2 mg/kg per dose twice a day is recommended.
Minocycline should not be administered to children younger than 8 years old as it can harm their bones and cause yellowish discoloration of their teeth.
Patients with renal and liver diseases
Minocycline is usually avoided in such cases or dose adjustment is recommended in less severe ones.
Minocycline dose for other conditions
In dermatology minocycline is a possible choice in the treatment of leprosy (recommended adult dose – 100 mg/day), nocardiosis (100-200 mg twice a day for adults). Doses ranging between 100 and 200 mg a day for adults are also used for a number of other skin conditions. The same doses apply for the treatment of skin infections caused by a type of highly resistant bacteria called MRSA.
Minocycline is often prescribed for the treatment of perioral dermatitis at a dose of 50-100 mg twice a day. The treatment usually lasts for about 8- 10 weeks with a taper over the last 2-4 weeks. Sometimes patients may need a low dose therapy for months.
Minocycline is also used for the treatment of other bacterial infections, mainly urinary and respiratory ones. The usual dose for adults and children over 12 years old is 100-200 mg a day divided into two doses. The dose for children aged 8-12 years old is 2-4 mg/kg divided into two doses.
Senior patients: Dose adjustment may be needed depending on the overall condition of the patients and the severity of the infection.
Tips when taking minocycline
Minocycline should be taken with a plenty of water, at least 100 ml. For a maximal effect taking minocycline an hour before meals is recommended. Minocycline can cause stomach problems in some people. In that case, taking minocycline with a glass of milk or after meals may alleviate the symptoms. Milk can slightly decrease the absorption of minocycline but not as much as that of tetracycline. Staying upright for half an hour after taking minocycline can prevent the irritation of the esophagus mucosa.
You may feel better soon after the beginning of the treatment but still you should not discontinue the treatment without consulting your doctor. Do not hesitate to discuss any issues concerning the treatment with your doctor.
Minocycline is a prescription medicine, do not use it without medical supervision.
