Minocin (Minocycline) prescription available online
If you are suffering from a bacterial infection, and need an antibiotic, Minocin can help. Get a new prescription or refill of Minocin today from a board-certified doctor online.*
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About minocycline antibiotics
Minocycline is considered part of tetracycline antibiotics, which functions by inhibiting protein synthesis related to certain bacterium species in the body. This helps to reduce the growth of bacteria that causes an infection. Like any type of tetracycline antibiotic, this medication can only be used for bacterial infections. Medications called tetracycline antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections because they will not affect the growth or spreading of viruses in the body.
Some conditions that minocycline is known to treat include bacterial infections, severe acne, and anthrax infection. When used to treat anthrax infection, the patient may be advised to wear protective clothing when they are close to the wild game in the future. This can help to reduce the risk of a recurring infection. Minocycline is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as under different brand names, including minocycline hydrochloride (Minocin).
Minocycline may be prescribed as a capsule that is filled with pellets. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Minocycline, be sure to complete the full course of the tetracycline antibiotic unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t complete your prescription, the tetracycline antibiotic may not fully treat your bacterial infection.
Minocycline Uses
There are several FDA-approved uses for minocycline (Minocin), but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Minocyline is only used to treat infections that are caused by bacteria, however. Your online doctor may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a particular antibiotic is prescribed, talk to your online doctor or pharmacist.
Bacterial infection
Minocycline is used to treat several types of bacterial infections. It is important to note that this drug should only be prescribed to individuals when the doctor is sure the infection is caused by bacteria. Certain lab tests may be performed to determine the microorganisms behind an infection. It has been found that when minocycline is used in antibiotic treatment, it is effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It generally comes as oral antibiotics. The patient information leaflet can also provide more details on the specific bacterium species that the medication affects.
Severe acne
Acne vulgaris is a common condition that causes pimples to form on the skin. These pimples are often related to the growth of bacteria in follicles underneath the skin. Sometimes, acne vulgaris can become a severe condition. In this case, the patient may require medication that helps with killing bacteria that causes acne breakouts. A doctor can provide medical advice about the side effects associated with this type of treatment solution. Medical tests can also confirm the specific bacteria that causes severe acne. This helps the healthcare professional decide if you should take minocycline to help treat your acne.
Minocin side effects
Minocycline side effects to look out for
The side effects associated with taking minocycline (Minocin) are typically mild. Usually minocyline side effects are associated with discomfort in the digestive system. Minocin has some common side effects. They may include:
It is important to tell your doctor if these side effects continue for any length of time. Additionally, tell your doctor if these side effects are getting worse.
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Vulvovaginitis: Some patients may develop inflammation and infection that affects both the vagina and the vulva. This may be due to the reduced immunity throughout the treatment with minocycline. Yeast, viruses, and parasites can cause vulvovaginitis in female patients.
Allergic reactions: It's important to understand any potential symptoms that an allergic reaction could produce and catch the reaction at an early stage. Severe dizziness, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, and other symptoms may occur.
Renal and hepatic complications: There are rare cases where minocycline causes problems with the renal and hepatic systems. This may lead to an increased risk of kidney disease and liver problems.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Use of minocycline is not advised in patients under the age of eight years.
How to take minocycline
Your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to take your minocycline prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Minocin can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed up to two times per day. Some specific instructions may include taking the medication at specific times in the day and the amount of time that should pass between two doses. In most cases, your doctor tells you to take the medication 12 hours apart from each other. You will usually also be advised to take the medication either an hour prior to a meal or to wait two hours after you have a meal.
Tell your doctor right away if you are using other drugs to treat other infections at the moment. This will ensure they can look for potential drug interactions.
What to avoid while taking Minocin
Minocin can cause drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to provide your doctor with drug information about any medicine you use when taking Minocin. Minocycline belongs to the drug class tetracycline antibiotic, which means it may interact with the following medications:
Methoxyflurane
Birth control pills
Isotretinoin
Ergot alkaloids
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Minocin.
Alcohol consumption can harm your immune system. This makes it harder for your immunity to kill the bacteria causing the infection. In turn, it also reduces the efficacy that the Minocycline capsules provide.
Antibiotic alternatives to minocycline
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another tetracycline or an antibiotic in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Milder bacterial infections
In cases where infection that is not severe, your doctor may consider alternative antibiotic treatment options to help the patient. Certain antibiotics may reduce side effects like stomach and joint pain and require no additional mechanisms to treat diarrhea.
Minocycline prescription FAQs
How much does Minocin cost?
The cost of Minocycline depends on the treatment dose and the number of doses prescribed. A higher dose to treat serious skin infections or another type of infection will be pricier compared to a lower dose.
How can I refill my Minocin prescription?
Minocycline is used to treat an infection over a short period of time. This means you will not get a repeat prescription for the drug. Simply choose the pharmacy that you prefer to use in your local area, then pick up your prescription from them.
Why should you not lie down after taking Minocycline?
Minocycline takes a short while to be absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. During this time, laying down can cause the pellets in the drug to move toward the esophagus. In this case, the ingredients that the drug uses can cause pain in the esophagus due to irritation. This is why you should wait for a while before you decide to lie down after you take this medication to treat your infection.
How long should I take Minocin for acne?
While Minocycline is generally indicated for the short-term treatment of infections, there are some cases where you need to take this medication for a more extended period. An extended-release capsule may be provided for people with acne. In this case, you may need to continue using the drug for a period of up to four months. You can ask your doctor for medical advice if you do not see any improvements by this time.
What is the patient needs to know before taking Minocycline?
It is crucial to ensure the patient understands how to take the drug, what to do in case of a missed dose, and understand the potential interactions with birth control pills and other medications that can occur.
Who should not take Minocin?
Minocycline is generally not advised for children younger than eight years. If children younger than eight use the drug, then there might be an increased risk of serious side effects. If pregnancy occurs, the drug can cause harm to the unborn baby. Thus, pregnant women should also not take this medication.
What happens if I miss a day of Minocin?
Minocycline should usually be taken around 12 hours apart from each other. If you have a missed dose, consider how much time is left before your next dose. If there is little time left, then skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the indicated time. This can help to prevent serious adverse effects due to taking more of the Minocycline than you should.
What happens if I take too much Minocin?
If you use too much of the medication, then your risk of serious adverse events increases. This can also have a more significant impact on your immune system, putting you at risk of respiratory infections and other problems. Whether using the medication to treat acne or another type of infection, always strictly adhere to the specific instructions that the healthcare professional provides. This can help to significantly reduce the risk of potential side effects and interactions that could occur while you treat acne or another infection in your body.
3 simple steps to request your Minocin prescription today
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Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Minocin prescription.
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Step 3
Pick up your Minocin prescription.
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Minocin prescription pricing details
How pricing works
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Minocycline prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
"Minocin (Minocycline Hydrochloride) Professional Information." Drugs.com, Accessed September 29, 2023, www.drugs.com/pro/minocin.html.
"Minocin Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing." WebMD, Accessed September 29, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6906/minocin-oral/details
"Minocycline Hydrochloride Capsules, USP." DailyMed, Accessed September 29, 2023, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=6dd5b14b-ebfc-49a2-ac63-429f9a8b974f.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.