Arestin

Q: What is Arestin (minocycline) used for?

Arestin (minocycline) is an antibiotic used during a dental procedure called [scaling and root planing](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/scaling-and-root-planing) that's commonly done to treat periodontitis in adults. This is when a dental professional cleans your gum pockets to remove plaque and smoothes your teeth to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Arestin (minocycline) is given afterwards to help fight bacteria and [prevent infection in your gums](https://www.arestin.com/arestin/gum-disease/).

Q: Are there any side effects with Arestin (minocycline)?

Since Arestin (minocycline) is applied directly to your gums, it doesn't have many side effects. In clinical studies, the most common side effects reported were headache, infection, flu-like symptoms, and pain. However, the amount of people who reported these side effects after using Arestin (minocycline) was similar to those who didn't use it.

Q: Is Arestin (minocycline) safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

You should avoid using Arestin (minocycline) if you're pregnant or breastfeeding because tetracycline antibiotics like Arestin (minocycline) can cause problems with bone and tooth development in unborn babies, infants, and children. The risk is higher during the last half of pregnancy and during breastfeeding since it can be transferred to human breast milk. While it isn't known if Arestin (minocycline) causes harm to unborn or breastfed babies, you should discuss the possible risks and benefits of using it for your dental procedure with your provider if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

minocycline

Used for Dental Care

Arestin (minocycline) is an antibiotic that's typically used in a dental office during a procedure done to treat periodontitis (an infection in your gums that's caused by bacteria). Adding Arestin (minocycline) with the procedure achieves better results treating gum disease compared to the procedure alone. It's applied directly to the gums during the procedure by a dental professional.

Reviewed by:

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Daisy Chau, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 24, 2022

What is Arestin (minocycline)?

Are you looking for information on minocycline (Minocin) tablets or capsules instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Arestin
Drug Class	Tetracycline antibiotic
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Arestin

Drug Class

Tetracycline antibiotic

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Arestin

Arestin is an antibiotic used during a dental procedure called scaling and root planing that's commonly done to treat periodontitis in adults. This is when a dental professional cleans your gum pockets to remove plaque and smoothes your teeth to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Arestin is given afterwards to help fight bacteria and prevent infection in your gums.

After your scaling and root planing procedure, your provider will place Arestin directly into your gum pockets. You don't need to swallow it since it'll work directly in your gums to fight bacteria. You might have it applied during the same visit as your procedure, or during a follow-up visit. It doesn't require any needles to be applied in your gums.

Since Arestin is applied directly to your gums, it doesn't have many side effects. In clinical studies, the most common side effects reported were headache, infection, flu-like symptoms, and pain. However, the amount of people who reported these side effects after using Arestin was similar to those who didn't use it.

You should avoid using Arestin if you're pregnant or breastfeeding because tetracycline antibiotics like Arestin can cause problems with bone and tooth development in unborn babies, infants, and children. The risk is higher during the last half of pregnancy and during breastfeeding since it can be transferred to human breast milk. While it isn't known if Arestin causes harm to unborn or breastfed babies, you should discuss the possible risks and benefits of using it for your dental procedure with your provider if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

After your procedure, your provider will ask you to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods (e.g., carrots, taffy, gum) for 1 week, as well as touching the treated area since this can cause damage and infection. You should also wait to floss, use a dental pick, or clean between the treated teeth for 10 days. It's normal that your gums might feel tender and sensitive during the first week after your procedure, but you should contact your provider if you have pain, swelling, itching, rash, or redness at anytime. Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing after getting Arestin, since this can be a sign of a serious allergic reaction that requires treatment urgently.

Arestin

What is Arestin (minocycline)?

Are you looking for information on minocycline (Minocin) tablets or capsules instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Arestin

Arestin (minocycline) dosage

Typical dosage for Arestin (minocycline)

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Common questions about Arestin

What is Arestin (minocycline)?

Are you looking for information on minocycline (Minocin) tablets or capsules instead?

Drug facts

Common questions about Arestin

What is Arestin used for?

How do I take Arestin?

Are there any side effects with Arestin?

Is Arestin safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

What do I need to look out for after taking Arestin?

Arestin (minocycline) dosage

Typical dosage for Arestin (minocycline)

Common questions about Arestin

What is Arestin used for?

How do I take Arestin?

Are there any side effects with Arestin?

Is Arestin safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

What do I need to look out for after taking Arestin?