Minocycline !
A fat-soluble tetracycline used for acne and some resistant infections. Known for dizziness, skin pigmentation and autoimmune reactions.
Updated 2026-11-01
The figure shows minocycline bound to the Escherichia coli 70S ribosome.
Mechanism of action
Minocycline binds the 30S subunit and blocks aminoacyl-tRNA from the A site, like other tetracyclines. It is very lipid-soluble, so it enters tissues and the nervous system well, which explains its vestibular side effects.
- Absorbed by mouth and spreads into tissues
- Binds the 30S ribosomal subunit
- Aminoacyl-tRNA cannot enter the A site
- Bacterial growth stops
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Well absorbed by mouth; minerals reduce absorption.
- Distribution
- Very lipid-soluble; good tissue penetration.
- Half-life
- About 11–22 hours.
Indications
- Adjunctive treatment of severe acne
- Clearing Neisseria meningitidis from the nose and throat of asymptomatic carriers
- Infections caused by susceptible bacteria when other tetracyclines are suitable
Adverse effects
Common
- Dizziness, light-headedness and vertigo
- Nausea
- Photosensitivity
Contraindications
- Allergy to any tetracycline
- Second half of pregnancy and children up to 8 years
Key interactions
- Antacids, calcium, iron, magnesium
- Reduce absorption; doses are spaced.
- Warfarin
- Effect may increase.
- Isotretinoin
- Both can raise intracranial pressure.
What is monitored
- Dizziness before driving
- Skin colour changes in long courses
- Liver tests and joint symptoms in long courses
Administration and safety
- Taken with a full glass of water, upright
- Spaced from minerals and antacids
Nursing care
- Warn about dizziness and caution with driving
- Teach sun protection
- Teach to report joint pain, rash with fever, yellow skin or severe headache
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Like other tetracyclines it can harm the fetus, staining teeth and slowing bone growth.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which adverse effect is more typical of minocycline than of other tetracyclines?
Vestibular effects: dizziness and vertigo.
Which autoimmune reactions are linked to minocycline?
Drug-induced lupus and autoimmune hepatitis.
Which carrier state can minocycline clear?
Nasopharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis.
Related drugs
← Back to the class: Tetracyclines
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: DailyMed - MINOCYCLINE HYDROCHLORIDE capsule (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Minocycline: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); E. coli 70S ribosome bound to Minocycline (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.