Aknemin

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Diarrhoea

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)

Balance problems involving the inner ear (vertigo)

Dizziness

Nausea and vomiting

Sensation of ringing, or other noise in the ears (tinnitus)

Loss of appetite

Skin reactions such as rash and itch

Bowel infection resulting in inflammation of the bowel lining (pseudomembranous colitis)

Liver disorders

Difficulty or pain when swallowing (dysphagia)

Mild increase in pressure within the skull (benign intracranial hypertension)

Overgrowth of the yeast Candida, which may cause infection such as thrush

Staining of skin, nails, teeth, sweat, tears, eyes, breast milk (see warning above)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Always tell your doctor what medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Likewise, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while you are taking this one. The following medicines may reduce the absorption of minocycline from the gut, which may make it less effective. If you are taking medicines containing any of the following ingredients they should be taken at least three hours before or after your minocycline dose: - antacids (for heartburn and indigestion) or vitamins that contain aluminium, bismuth, calcium, magnesium or iron - quinapril (brand name Accupro, because these capsules also contain magnesium carbonate) - iron tablets, eg ferrous sulphate (the absorption of iron tablets from the gut is also reduced by the minocycline) - zinc salts (the absorption of zinc salts from the gut is also reduced by the minocycline) - kaolin - tripotassium dicitratobismuthate (TDB). If minocycline is taken with acitretin, isotretinoin or tretinoin there may be an increased risk of developing raised pressure within the skull (benign intracranial hypertension), and minocycline should be avoided in people taking these medicines. Minocycline may increase the blood thinning effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin. There may be an increased risk of side effects on the kidneys if minocycline is taken with diuretic medicines, particularly in people with decreased kidney function. Minocycline may decrease the effectiveness of penicillin antibiotics in the treatment of serious infections such as meningitis. It is recommended that minocycline should not be used with penicillins. If you are taking a combined oral contraceptive pill there may be a very low risk that this antibiotic may make it less effective at preventing pregnancy. Although the risk of this is very low, the personal and ethical consequences of an unwanted pregnancy can be very serious. For this reason the Family Planning Association recommends that women taking combined oral contraceptives should use an extra method of contraception (eg condoms) while taking a short course of broad-spectrum antibiotic, and for seven days after finishing the course. If the seven days run beyond the end of a pill packet, a new packet should be started without a break (in the case of ED pills the inactive tablets should be omitted). For more information talk to your pharmacist. There may be an increased risk of brown skin staining in women taking long-term minocycline for acne who are also taking an oral contraceptive pill, as both medicines can have this effect. Consult your doctor if you notice any skin staining so your treatment can be reviewed.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Blemix

Minocin

Minocycline

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