Zilxi
Zilxi (minocycline 1.5% topical foam) is a tetracycline antibiotic that's used to treat rosacea in adults. You apply it to the entire face once daily, at least an hour before bedtime. Wash your hands afterwards because Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) can stain clothes and fabrics. You might notice your skin getting better after a month of treatment. But it might take 3 months to see more noticeable improvements. Side effects reported include mild burning or stinging of the skin.
What is Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)?
What is Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) used for?
Rosacea in adults
How Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) works
Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) is a tetracycline antibiotic. More research is needed to understand how it treats rosacea. But it's thought that Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) improves the redness from rosacea by easing inflammation.
Drug Facts
Get your GoodRx coupon
What are the side effects of Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)?
Common Side Effects
- Spider veins near the surface of skin on face (61%)
- Flushing or blushing (39%)
- Redness and warmth of skin (36%)
- Dry skin (24%)
- Darkening of skin around application site (23%)
- Itching (20%)
Other Side Effects
- Skin peeling
- Burning or stinging of skin
- Diarrhea
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
- Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in skin color
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
Pros and cons of Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)
Pros
Applied once a day
Generally well-tolerated with no serious side effects
Stored at room temperature
Cons
Can't bathe, shower, or swim for at least 1 hour after application
Can stain clothing, bedsheets
Might cause penicillin antibiotics to not work as well
Pharmacist tips for Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)
When you pick up Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) from the pharmacy, it might be cold to touch because it has been stored in the refrigerator at the pharmacy. After you pick up the medication, store it at room temperature (don't refrigerate). Let the medication warm to room temperature before first use.
Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) expires 3 months after you pick it up from the pharmacy. Throw away any leftover medication after 3 months because it's unclear whether it'll still work well or be safe to use. Write the expiration date on the bottle to help you remember when to discard the medication.
Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) comes in a can which is highly flammable. Avoid open fire, heat, or smoke during and immediately after applying this medication.
Your skin will have a slight yellow sheen right after you apply Zilxi (minocycline topical foam). But this is temporary. If the yellow sheen bothers you, you can wash your face. But make sure to wait least an hour after you apply the medication.
Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) might cause you to sunburn more easily. To lower your risk, make sure to limit or avoid sun exposure during treatment. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside, even on overcast days.
How to use Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)
Wash your face with a mild, non-medicated cleanser and pat dry your face completely before applying Zilxi (minocycline topical foam). Shake the can really well before you use it.
Press the top of the Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) can to dispense a cherry-sized amount of foam onto your fingertips. Apply and gently rub the foam over your entire face.
Apply this medication at least an hour before bedtime to avoid staining your clothes. If your sheets and clothes do get stained, you can remove the stain by washing them in cold water.
Wash your hands after applying Zilxi (minocycline topical foam). Avoid touching other things or people until after you've washed your hands.
Frequently asked questions about Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)
How to save using GoodRx
What are the risks and warnings for Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)?
Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk of fire
Risk factors: Being near open fire or heat during or after applying Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) | Smoking during or after applying Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) | Damage to the can
Because of the propellant in Zilxi (minocycline topical foam), this product can easily catch on fire. Make sure to handle this medication carefully during and after application. Don't smoke or go near open fire right after you apply this medication. Don't store the can in extreme heat or temperatures above 120°F. Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) is under pressure, so avoid damaging the can by puncturing holes or leaving it by open flame.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Risk factors: Using antibiotics for a non-bacterial infection | Using Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) to treat infections
Only use Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) as directed by your dermatologist for rosacea. Even though this medication contains minocycline, it's not FDA-approved to treat infections. Using this medication differently than prescribed can raise the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that's difficult to treat in the future.
Risk of new infections
Risk factor: Using Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) differently than prescribed
As with other antibiotics, using Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) can lead to overgrowth of other bacteria or fungi. This can lead to a new infection, such as a skin yeast infection. Don't use this medication longer than prescribed. Let your healthcare team know if you experience symptoms of an infection, such as itching, burning, or rash.
Risk of sunburns or skin-related side effects
People who took oral tetracycline antibiotics, like minocycline, have experienced skin-related side effects. These include higher risk of sunburns or darkening of skin color.
It's unclear whether Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. To be safe, you should still avoid direct sun exposure or tanning beds during treatment. Make sure to apply sunscreen before going outside and wear sun-protective clothing. Talk to your healthcare team if you notice symptoms of sunburn, such as swelling, skin redness, or pain. Your care team might ask you to stop this medication.
Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) can cause darkening of skin around the application site. But this is more likely related to healing of rosacea bumps or rash.
Though rare, people who used oral minocycline have experienced very serious allergic or skin-related reactions. Get medical care immediately if you have a fever, chills, rash, and blistering or peeling skin.
Risk of harm to bones in children
Oral tetracycline antibiotics, including minocycline, can slow or stop bone growth in children, Typically, normal bone growth restarts once the medication is stopped. Though it's unclear whether Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) will cause this side effect in children, this medication is only FDA-approved for adults.
People who are pregnant also shouldn't use Zilxi (minocycline topical foam). Animal studies suggests that oral tetracycline antibiotics can affect bone growth in unborn babies, when taken by mothers during pregnancy.
In addition, taking oral tetracycline antibiotics over a long period of time can cause teeth to turn yellow-brown. This is typically seen in children, including babies born to mothers who took tetracycline antibiotics during pregnancy. It's not known whether Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) will cause the same side effect.
Rare risk of other side effects related to oral minocycline
Taking oral tetracycline antibiotics can raise the risk for other serious side effects, including infectious diarrhea, liver problems, and brain- or nervous system-related conditions. While these side effects haven't been seen in people using Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) for rosacea, you can still ask your healthcare team about any side effects of tetracycline antibiotic.
Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30g of 1.5% | 1 can | $376.46 | $376.46 |
Typical dosing for Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)
Zilxi contains minocycline 1.5% topical foam.
Adults: Shake can well and dispense a cherry-sized amount of foam to the fingertips. Gently rub the foam over your entire face once daily, at least 1 hour before bedtime.
How much does Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) cost?
What are alternatives to Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)?
Treatment of papules and pustules in adults with mild-to-moderate rosacea
Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) images
Get savings updates for Zilxi (minocycline topical foam)
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Zilxi (minocycline topical foam) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
References
Best studies we foundGold, L. S., et al. (2020). Minocycline 1.5% foam for the topical treatment of moderate to severe papulopustular rosacea: Results of 2 phase 3, randomized clinical trials. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Del Rosso, J. Q., et al. (2021). Nonantibiotic properties of tetracyclines in rosacea and their clinical implications. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Journey Medical Corporation. (n.d.). Starting Zilxi.
Journey Medical Corporation. (n.d.). Once-daily, patient-friendly dosing.
Journey Medical Corporation. (2024). Zilxi- minocycline aerosol, foam [package insert]. DailyMed.
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.