minocycline

Minocycline can cause harm to unborn babies, such as abnormal bone development. Whether you're male or female, it's not recommended to take this medication if you're trying to have a child. Keep in mind that minocycline can cause some birth control pills to work less well, so it's recommended to use a second birth control method during treatment. If you become pregnant while taking minocycline, stop taking the medication and call your provider.

Tetracycline antibiotics like minocycline can affect the teeth when they're still growing in young children. Usually, the teeth will permanently turn a yellow, gray, or brown color. Though rare, the teeth might not grow to be as strong because the enamel is also affected. This side effect can also happen to an unborn baby if the mother takes minocycline during the second half of her pregnancy. More generally, side effects affecting the teeth are more common during long-term use of minocycline, but can also happen after short courses.

Antibiotics, including minocycline, can cause infectious diarrhea known as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (commonly known as C. diff). This sometimes happens because antibiotics get rid of the good bacteria in your gut, leading to growth of other bacteria like C. diff. C. diff diarrhea is very contagious and can lead to life-threatening dehydration. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have loose or watery stools, fever, stomach pain and cramps, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

In some rare cases, people have developed serious, potentially life-threatening allergic or skin reactions after starting minocycline. Get medical help right away if you notice you have trouble breathing, swelling, a new rash, a rash with a fever, unexplained blisters, or new sores inside your mouth.

Sometimes, minocycline can harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney problems. Although rare, minocycline can also cause liver damage that can sometimes lead to liver failure. Contact your provider right away if you notice a dark urine, a change in urination, stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.

Some people who took tetracycline antibiotics like minocycline reported developing high pressure in the brain, or a condition called intracranial hypertension. The risk is higher if you're also taking another acne medication called isotretinoin since it's known to cause this problem. Signs and symptoms of high pressure in the brain usually go away after you stop taking minocycline, but it can cause permanent vision problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience a headache and changes in your eyesight, including blurry vision, double vision, or vision loss.

Minocycline can make your skin and nails darker. This effect can happen even if you haven't been taking minocycline for very long. The same thing can happen to other parts of the body as well, including the eyes, inside the mouth, and even some internal organs. These color changes usually aren't harmful. But, if this happens, check in with your provider to make sure it isn't a sign of other health problems.

It's possible to get a new infection from fungi or bacteria that can't be treated with minocycline after using the medication for a while. Don't use minocycline longer than prescribed. Let your provider know if you notice symptoms of a new infection or if the original symptoms don't get any better after using minocycline.