Minocycline Injection

IMPORTANT WARNING
Minocycline injection is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking minocycline injection, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.

About your treatment
Your doctor has ordered minocycline, an antibiotic, to help treat your infection. The drug will be added to an intravenous fluid that will drip through a needle or catheter placed in your vein for up to 6 hours, one or two times a day.

Minocycline eliminates bacteria that cause many kinds of infections including pneumonia and urinary tract, skin, bone, and rectal infections. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Your health care provider (doctor, nurse, or pharmacist) may measure the effectiveness and side effects of your treatment using laboratory tests and physical examinations. It is important to keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. The length of treatment depends on how your infection and symptoms respond to the medication.

Precautions
Before administering minocycline


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfites, or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antacids, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), penicillin, and vitamins. Minocycline decreases the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; another form of birth control should be used while taking this drug.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes or kidney or liver disease.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking minocycline, call your doctor immediately. Minocycline can harm the fetus.

Administering your medication
Before you administer minocycline, look at the solution closely. It should be clear and free of floating material. Gently squeeze the bag or observe the solution container to make sure there are no leaks. Do not use the solution if it is discolored, if it contains particles, or if the bag or container leaks. Use a new solution, but show the damaged one to your health care provider.

It is important that you use your medication exactly as directed. Do not stop your therapy on your own for any reason because your infection could worsen and result in hospitalization. Do not change your dosing schedule without talking to your health care provider. Your health care provider may tell you to stop your infusion if you have a mechanical problem (such as a blockage in the tubing, needle, or catheter); if you have to stop an infusion, call your health care provider immediately so your therapy can continue.

Mild side effects
''Minocycline may cause side effects. Tell your health care provider if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:''


 * upset stomach
 * itching of the rectum or vagina
 * diarrhea
 * dizziness or lightheadedness
 * furry darkening or black discoloration of the tongue

Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your health care provider immediately:


 * skin rash
 * unusual bleeding or bruising
 * painful mouth
 * throat sores
 * fever or chills
 * yellowing of the skin or eyes

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storing your medication
Your health care provider probably will give you a several-day supply of minocycline at a time. You will be told to store it at room temperature.

Store your medication only as directed. Make sure you understand what you need to store your medication properly.

Keep your supplies in a clean, dry place when you are not using them, and keep all medications and supplies out of reach of children. Your health care provider will tell you how to throw away used needles, syringes, tubing, and containers to avoid accidental injury.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Signs of infection
If you are receiving minocycline in your vein or under your skin, you need to know the symptoms of a catheter-related infection (an infection where the needle enters your vein or skin). If you experience any of these effects near your intravenous catheter, tell your health care provider as soon as possible:


 * tenderness
 * warmth
 * irritation
 * drainage
 * redness
 * swelling
 * pain

Brand names

 * Minocin®
 * Minocin® Intravenous