Minocycline - Indications

Indications

Minocycline and doxycycline are frequently used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Both of these closely related antibiotics have similar levels efficacy, although doxycycline has a slightly lower risk of adverse side effects. Historically, minocycline has been a very effective treatment for acne vulgaris. However, acne that is caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria is a growing problem in many countries. In Europe and North America, a significant number of acne patients no longer respond well to treatment with tetracycline family antibiotics (e.g. tetracycline, doxycycline and minocycline) because their acne symptoms are caused by bacteria (primarily Propionibacterium acnes) that are resistant to these antibiotics.

Minocycline is also used for other skin infections such as MRSA as well as Lyme disease, as the one pill twice daily 100 mg dosage is far easier for patients than the four times a day required with tetracycline or oxytetracycline. Its activity against Lyme disease is enhanced by its superior ability to cross the blood–brain barrier.

Although minocycline's broader spectrum of activity, compared with other members of the group, includes activity against Neisseria meningitidis, its use as a prophylaxis is no longer recommended because of side effects (dizziness and vertigo).

It may be used to treat certain strains of MRSA infection and a disease caused by drug resistant acinetobacter.

Both minocycline and doxycycline have shown effectiveness in asthma due to immune suppressing effects. Minocycline as well as doxycycline have modest effectiveness in treating rheumatoid arthritis. It is recognized as a DMARDS (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug) by the American College of Rheumatology, which recommends its use as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

A list of indications include;

  • Amoebic dysentery
  • Anthrax
  • Cholera
  • Gonorrhea (when penicillin cannot be given)
  • Gougerot-Carteaud Syndrome (Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis)
  • Bubonic plague
  • Perioral dermatitis
  • Periodontal disease
  • Respiratory infections such as pneumonia
  • HIV—for use as an adjuvant to HAART
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever
  • Rosacea
  • Syphilis (when penicillin cannot be given)
  • Urinary tract infections, rectal infections, and infections of the cervix caused by certain microbes
  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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