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Minocycline Drug Interactions

by on July 13, 2012

Minocycline is an antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline group and is available only under prescription. It is used for the treatment of various infections and mainly for controlling acne. The minocycline courses usually last several months and patients sometimes need to use other drugs besides minocycline over this period of time. However, while taking minocycline, they should not take any other prescription, over-the-counter drugs, herbs or dietary supplements without consulting their healthcare provider.

Minocycline is reported to interact with:

  • Retinoids such as isotretinoin (Roaccutane), acitretin (Neotigason), tretinoin (Vesanoid) – these are vitamin A synthetic derivatives used mainly in the treatment of acne and some types of leukemia. You should not take them during the treatment with minocycline, shortly before and after it. The combination can lead to the development of a dangerous condition known as pseudotumor cerebri or intracranial hypertension. Its symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting.
  • Preparations containing vitamin A
  • Some anti-epileptic drugs such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and barbiturates such as Phenobarbital (Luminal), Aprobarbital (Allonal). These medicines are liver enzyme inducers and can reduce the effectiveness of minocycline.
  • Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and sulfonylureas (oral anti-diabetic drugs) such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Diabeta).They can increase the effect of minocycline and stronger adverse effects are possible. Minocycline can also change their effect so if you need to take such a combination of drugs, dose adjustments and regular monitoring of the blood sugar and coagulation parameters are necessary.
  • Antiacids, preparations containing aluminium, calcium or iron; some cholesterol controlling medicines such as cholestyramine (Questran); vitamin supplements. These medicines can interfere with the absorption of minocycline. A three-hour interval at least is recommended between them and minocycline.
  • Contraceptive pills. Minocycline can decrease their effectiveness. That is why women should use another way of contraception during the treatment. Do not hesitate to discuss any issues with your doctor.
  • Beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins (Penicillin G, Amoxicillin, Augmentin etc.) and cephalosporins (e.g. Ceftriaxone). Minocycline can decrease their efficiency.
  • Water pills (e.g. Lasix, Aldactone) - this combination may lead to increased kidney toxicity.
  • Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) – there is a risk of kidney toxicity.
  • Oral typhoid vaccine – an interval of 24 hour hours between administering the vaccine and minocycline is recommended as it can interfere with its effect.
  • Ergot medications such as Ergotamine (Ergomar). There is some data suggesting an increased risk of ergotamine side effects.
  • Digoxin– minocycline can increase the blood concentration of digoxin in approximately 10 % of the patients.
  • Some ACE inhibitors (medicines used to control high blood pressure) such as Lisinopril and Quinapril (Accupril)

Taking minocycline together with dairy products should be avoided as they can decrease its absorption.

This list is not complete and other medications can also interact with minocycline. Inform your doctor about any prescription or OTC medications, herbs or dietary supplements that you are taking.

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