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[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Tetracyclines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/tetracyclines/)

# Minocycline

A fat-soluble tetracycline used for acne and some resistant infections. Known for dizziness, skin pigmentation and autoimmune reactions.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Tetracyclines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/tetracyclines/)
- Target: Bacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)
- ATC code: J01AA08

◆**Bacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site)**Minocycline

ⓘ The figure shows minocycline bound to the Escherichia coli 70S ribosome.

**Target in 3D:** Bacterial ribosome, 30S subunit (16S rRNA, A site). PDB structure 9PIJ (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/9PIJ) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## 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

### Serious (rare, important)

- Pigmentation of skin, nails and mucous membranes
- Autoimmune reactions: drug-induced lupus, autoimmune hepatitis
- Severe hypersensitivity (DRESS) and intracranial hypertension
- Tooth discoloration during tooth development

## 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.

## Memory aid

«Mino makes you spin and stain»: vertigo and pigmentation are its signatures.

## 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.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/minocycline/)

## Related drugs

- [Doxycycline](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/doxycycline/)
- [Tetracycline](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/tetracycline/)

[← Back to the class: Tetracyclines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=a5fc4d50-50b2-46e0-b722-4c6b2ec47d06) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [Minocycline: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682101.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [E. coli 70S ribosome bound to Minocycline](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/9PIJ) (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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