Minocycline doses for acne. Minocycline for Acne: Dosage, Efficacy, and Long-Term Safety
How effective is minocycline for treating acne. What are the recommended dosages for minocycline in acne treatment. Is long-term use of high-dose minocycline safe for acne patients. What are the potential side effects of minocycline when used for acne.
Understanding Minocycline as an Acne Treatment
Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that has become widely used as a second-line treatment for acne vulgaris. Its effectiveness in managing moderate to severe acne has made it a popular choice among dermatologists when first-line treatments prove insufficient.
How does minocycline work to treat acne? Minocycline helps combat acne through several mechanisms:
- It has antibacterial properties that reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin
- It decreases inflammation associated with acne lesions
- It may help regulate sebum production
These combined effects make minocycline an effective option for many patients struggling with persistent or severe acne that has not responded adequately to topical treatments or other oral antibiotics.
Recommended Dosages of Minocycline for Acne Treatment
Determining the appropriate dosage of minocycline for acne treatment is crucial for achieving optimal results while minimizing potential side effects. The dosage may vary depending on the severity of acne and individual patient factors.
What are the typical dosage ranges for minocycline in acne treatment?
- 100 mg daily
- 100/200 mg on alternate days
- Up to 200 mg daily for severe cases
The study by Goulden et al. examined patients taking minocycline at these various dosage levels, with some requiring up to 200 mg daily to effectively control their acne. It’s important to note that the appropriate dosage should be determined by a healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s needs and response to treatment.
Long-Term Safety Profile of High-Dose Minocycline
A key concern when prescribing any medication for extended periods is its long-term safety profile. The study by Goulden et al. specifically aimed to assess the safety of using minocycline at higher doses over an extended period for acne treatment.
Is long-term use of high-dose minocycline safe for acne patients? The research findings suggest that minocycline, even at doses up to 200 mg/day, is generally safe for long-term use in acne treatment when clinically necessary. The study followed 700 patients for an average duration of 10.5 months, providing valuable insights into the medication’s safety profile.
Key Safety Findings:
- No significant abnormalities were found in hematological and biochemical profiles
- Side effects were reported in 13.6% of patients
- Most side effects were mild and manageable
These findings provide reassurance to both healthcare providers and patients regarding the safety of long-term minocycline use at higher doses when required for effective acne management.
Potential Side Effects of Minocycline in Acne Treatment
While minocycline is generally well-tolerated, it’s important for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of potential side effects. The study by Goulden et al. documented several side effects among the participants.
What are the most common side effects associated with minocycline use for acne?
- Vestibular disturbance (dizziness, vertigo)
- Candida infection
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Cutaneous symptoms (skin-related issues)
- Benign intracranial hypertension (rare)
Cutaneous Side Effects:
The study noted several skin-related side effects, including:
- Pigmentation
- Pruritus (itching)
- Photosensitive rash
- Urticaria (hives)
Interestingly, pigmentation was the only side effect found to be significantly increased in patients taking higher doses of minocycline compared to lower doses (P < 0.01). All patients who experienced pigmentation had taken a total cumulative dose of over 70 g.
Minocycline vs. Other Acne Treatments
While minocycline has proven effective for many acne patients, it’s important to consider how it compares to other treatment options. Understanding these comparisons can help healthcare providers and patients make informed decisions about acne management strategies.
Minocycline vs. Azithromycin:
A study by Gruber et al. compared azithromycin with minocycline in the treatment of acne comedonica and papulo-pustulosa. This research provides insights into the relative efficacy of these two antibiotics for different types of acne lesions.
Topical vs. Oral Minocycline:
Recent developments have led to the creation of topical minocycline formulations. A study by Jones et al. compared the pharmacokinetics of once-daily topical minocycline foam 4% to oral minocycline for moderate-to-severe acne. This research helps illuminate the potential benefits and differences between topical and systemic minocycline administration.
How does topical minocycline compare to oral minocycline in terms of efficacy and side effects? Topical minocycline may offer the benefit of targeted treatment with potentially fewer systemic side effects. However, oral minocycline may be more effective for severe or widespread acne. The choice between topical and oral formulations should be made based on individual patient factors and acne severity.
Special Considerations and Rare Complications
While minocycline is generally safe and effective for acne treatment, there are some special considerations and rare complications that healthcare providers and patients should be aware of.
Hyperthyroidism and Lupus-like Syndrome:
A case report by Benjamin and Calikoglu described an adolescent treated with minocycline for acne vulgaris who developed hyperthyroidism and a lupus-like syndrome. This highlights the importance of monitoring for rare but potentially serious autoimmune complications in patients taking minocycline.
Benign Intracranial Hypertension:
The study by Goulden et al. mentioned benign intracranial hypertension as a rare side effect. This condition, while uncommon, can cause severe headaches and visual disturbances, and requires prompt medical attention.
What symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation in patients taking minocycline?
- Severe or persistent headaches
- Visual changes or disturbances
- Dizziness or vertigo that doesn’t resolve
- Unusual fatigue or joint pain
- Skin rashes or unusual pigmentation
Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly to rule out rare but serious complications.
Optimizing Minocycline Treatment for Acne
To maximize the benefits of minocycline treatment for acne while minimizing potential risks, healthcare providers and patients should follow best practices for its use.
Treatment Duration and Monitoring:
How long should patients typically be treated with minocycline for acne? While the study by Goulden et al. followed patients for an average of 10.5 months, the optimal duration of treatment can vary. Generally, treatment should continue until significant improvement is seen, often for 3-6 months, followed by a reassessment.
Regular monitoring is crucial during minocycline treatment. This may include:
- Periodic blood tests to check liver function and blood counts
- Regular skin examinations to assess treatment efficacy and check for pigmentation changes
- Discussions about any new symptoms or side effects
Combining Treatments:
For optimal acne management, minocycline is often used in combination with other treatments. This may include:
- Topical retinoids to help prevent comedone formation
- Benzoyl peroxide to enhance bacterial reduction and prevent antibiotic resistance
- Topical antibiotics for localized treatment
How can combination therapy enhance the effectiveness of minocycline for acne? Combining treatments can target multiple aspects of acne pathogenesis, potentially leading to better overall results and allowing for lower doses or shorter durations of oral antibiotic use.
Future Directions in Minocycline Research for Acne
As our understanding of acne pathogenesis and antibiotic use evolves, ongoing research continues to refine the role of minocycline in acne treatment.
Novel Formulations:
The development of topical minocycline formulations, such as the foam studied by Jones et al., represents an exciting direction in acne treatment. These formulations aim to provide the benefits of minocycline with reduced systemic exposure.
Antibiotic Resistance Concerns:
With growing concerns about antibiotic resistance, future research may focus on strategies to minimize resistance risk while maintaining treatment efficacy. This could include studies on optimal treatment durations, cycling of antibiotics, or novel combination therapies.
Personalized Medicine Approaches:
Future research may also explore ways to personalize minocycline treatment based on individual patient factors, such as genetic markers or microbiome profiles. This could help optimize treatment outcomes and minimize side effects.
How might advances in personalized medicine impact minocycline use for acne in the future? Personalized approaches could potentially allow for more targeted use of minocycline, identifying patients most likely to benefit from the treatment while minimizing unnecessary antibiotic exposure in others.
In conclusion, minocycline remains an important tool in the management of moderate to severe acne. While it carries some risks of side effects, particularly with long-term use at higher doses, the overall safety profile is reassuring. Ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of how to best use this medication, balancing efficacy with safety concerns and the broader public health issue of antibiotic resistance. As with any medical treatment, the decision to use minocycline for acne should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account individual patient factors and treatment goals.
Safety of long-term high-dose minocycline in the treatment of acne
Clinical Trial
. 1996 Apr;134(4):693-5.
doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1996.tb06972.x.
V Goulden
1
, D Glass, W J Cunliffe
Affiliations
Affiliation
- 1 Dermatology Department, General Infirmary at Leeds, U.K.
PMID:
8733373
DOI:
10.1111/j.1365-2133.1996.tb06972.x
Clinical Trial
V Goulden et al.
Br J Dermatol.
1996 Apr.
. 1996 Apr;134(4):693-5.
doi: 10. 1111/j.1365-2133.1996.tb06972.x.
Authors
V Goulden
1
, D Glass, W J Cunliffe
Affiliation
- 1 Dermatology Department, General Infirmary at Leeds, U.K.
PMID:
8733373
DOI:
10.1111/j.1365-2133.1996.tb06972.x
Abstract
Minocycline is widely used as a second-line antimicrobial for acne vulgaris. Some patients require doses of up to 200 mg daily to control their acne. To assess the long-term safety of minocycline when used at higher doses, 700 patients treated with minocycline at doses of 100 mg daily, 100/200 mg on alternate days and 200 mg daily, were recruited. The mean duration of treatment was 10.5 months. Side-effects were monitored and full blood count, blood urea, electrolytes and liver function tests were carried out on 200 of the 700 patients. Side-effects were recorded in 13.6%, and included vestibular disturbance, candida infection, gastrointestinal disturbance, cutaneous symptoms (pigmentation, pruritus, photosensitive rash and urticaria) and benign intracranial hypertension. Pigmentation was the only side-effect found to be significantly increased in patients taking higher doses of minocycline, as compared with lower doses (P < 0.01). All patients with pigmentation had taken a total cumulative dose of over 70 g. No significant abnormalities were found in any of the haematological and biochemical profiles. We conclude that minocycline, at doses of up to 200 mg/day, is safe, long-term, for acne, when such doses are clinically necessary.
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MeSH terms
Substances
Does it work and side effects
Minocycline is an antibiotic that works by preventing bacteria from growing and spreading in the body. Minocycline also kills certain bacteria on the skin that can cause acne.
Minocycline kills Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. It also fights inflammation.
In this article, we discuss whether or not minocycline is an effective treatment for acne. We also look at other ways a person can look after their skin.
Share on PinterestMinocycline may help treat moderate to severe inflammatory acne.
Minocycline is an antibiotic that belongs to the tetracycline family of antibiotics. It appears to help reduce the severity of certain types of acne.
An older 2012 study found that minocycline is an effective treatment for moderate to severe inflammatory acne. This is the type of acne that causes red lesions that may be painful or large.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine state, however, that it has no effect on noninflammatory acne, such as blackheads and whitehead.
However, besides killing the bacteria that cause acne, minocycline may fight inflammation that contributes to acne, too.
Research has found that tetracycline antibiotics, including minocycline, can inhibit inflammatory chemicals in the body that can affect acne.
However, a person can only take minocycline orally for short-term use due to its association with abnormal pigmentation and tinnitus. The U.S National Library of Medicine state that a person should not take oral minocycline for longer than 12 weeks.
In 2016, researchers tested a foam containing 4% minocycline. After 12 weeks, this appeared to be an effective form of treatment with few side effects.
Some researchers in the past have said that they do not believe minocycline should be the first choice for acne treatment.
A 2013 article states that the medication is no more effective than other acne therapies, including topical treatments. With the risk of certain side effects, the authors believe doctors should consider other acne treatments before using minocycline.
For the treatment of acne, doctors will typically prescribe minocycline in the extended release form. A person can take 1 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight once a day for 12 weeks.
An individual’s weight can affect the dosage of minocycline. Those who have more weight may need a higher dosage. A person should not exceed the dose that the doctor prescribes.
People may take minocycline with or without food. However, taking the tablets with food can reduce the chances of causing irritation or ulcers in the esophagus, which is the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.
Before taking minocycline, an individual should tell the doctor if they are taking any nonprescription medicines, herbal supplements, or vitamins. This is because these may interfere with how minocycline works.
Minocycline can also react with:
- birth control pills
- blood thinners
- penicillin antibiotics
- antacids containing aluminum, magnesium, calcium, or iron
- acne medicine containing isotretinoin
Minocycline can cause birth control pills to become less effective, so a person should use alternative protection while taking the medication.
Research shows that antibiotics such as minocycline work better in combination with other acne treatments rather than alone. A doctor may prescribe a topical acne medication, such as retinoids or a topical antibiotic, which a person uses on the skin at the same time.
Other topical options include benzoyl peroxide, which is available in prescription and over-the-counter formulas.
A person should follow the doctor’s advice on minocycline dosage and any topical acne products.
Minocycline is not safe for everyone.
The following people should not take minocycline:
- people with a sensitivity or allergy to any tetracycline antibiotic
- pregnant and breastfeeding women
- children under 12 years of age
- people who have liver or kidney problems
- those taking birth control pills
- people who are taking certain medications, including blood thinners and other antibiotics
Common side effects of minocycline include:
- headache
- dizziness
- fatigue
- mood changes
- dry mouth
Minocycline can cause a person’s skin to become sensitive to the sun, so they must use extra protection from the sun and avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
Another possible side effect includes a blue discoloration of the skin. However, a 2014 study shows it was most common in people using it for the skin condition known as rosacea who were on doses of 100–200 mg/day for longer periods.
Bacteria resistance is a possible side effect of any antibiotic, including minocycline. When bacteria become resistant to an antibiotic, the antibiotic may lose the ability to kill bacteria, causing it to become less effective. According to older research, minocycline is more popular as some other antibiotics are less effective due to bacterial resistance.
Sometimes, minocycline can cause severe side effects, including:
- Harm to an unborn fetus: It may cause permanent tooth discoloration.
- Intestine infection: A person should call a doctor if they experience persistent diarrhea or bloody stools.
- Liver problems: A person should stop taking minocycline if they experience yellowing of the skin, tiredness, or loss of appetite.
- Benign intracranial hypertension: This occurs when high pressure fluid appears around the brain. This can cause vision loss, so a person should call a doctor if they experience blurred vision or vision loss.
People should stop taking the medication and seek medical help if they experience any of the above symptoms.
Some skincare steps can help manage acne. The American Academy of Dermatology recommend the following:
- Wash skin twice a day and after sweating but do not over-wash.
- Apply acne treatments to the whole face, not just to breakouts.
- Try over-the-counter (OTC) benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, but ask a doctor before combining these with prescription acne treatments. Some may interact with each other or cause excessive dryness or irritation.
- Use gentle cleansers and products without alcohol or abrasive scrubbers.
- Gently pat skin dry and avoid rubbing with towels and washcloths to minimize irritation.
- Wash hair regularly to control oil on the scalp and around the hairline.
- Do not pop or pick at acne spots.
- Use only skin care products that are labeled noncomedogenic or “won’t clog pores,” and choose fragrance-free products.
If home care and OTC treatments do not improve acne, or if a person has severe acne, they should see a dermatologist.
When someone does not treat their acne, it can cause scarring and damage to emotional and mental well-being. Proper treatment can help them avoid these complications.
A person should seek medical help, as soon as possible, if they experience any of these symptoms:
- hives
- skin rash
- sores in the mouth
- skin blisters
- swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or throat
- difficulty swallowing
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- dark urine
- abdominal pain
- chest pain
- swelling of the legs and ankles
- darkening of the skin, nails, scars, teeth, nails, and gums
Minocycline is one of many acne treatments available. Studies show that it can help with moderate to severe inflammatory acne.
If a doctor prescribes minocycline, people should take it according to their prescription. They should not take more than the doctor prescribes or for longer periods. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects but does not help to improve acne.
People may need to take minocycline with topical acne treatment for the best results. They can talk to a doctor about side effects and how well the treatment is working.
While some studies have found that minocycline can improve acne, others suggest it is not superior to alternative prescription acne treatments. A person should talk with their doctor about which acne treatment may work best for them.
Antibacterial therapy for acne vulgaris | AVBA RUS
Minocycline (Minoleksin®) is a highly effective drug for the treatment of papulopustular inflammatory acne of moderate severity. Minocycline is well combined with external methods of therapy and increases its effectiveness. It can be prescribed for both adults and children (allowed for use from 8 years). Flexible dosing (50/100 mg/day) allows the use of the drug for a long time.
Authors: Snarskaya E. S
First Moscow State Medical University. I. M. Sechenov (Sechenov University)
Keywords:
#acne vulgaris, #acne vulgaris, #pathogenesis, #antibacterial therapy, #minocycline
Almost every person faced the problem of acne in the prepubertal or pubertal period. In some, the appearance of acne is transient, in others the disease acquires a long, severe course. The peak incidence occurs at 15–16 years of age. In puberty, acne is detected in 90% of girls and 100% of boys. In girls, acne appears earlier, in boys later and is more common and severe. So, at the age of 12, acne is observed in 37.1% of girls and 15.4% of boys, and at the age of 16 – in 38.8 and 53.3%, respectively.
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of minocycline in the treatment of moderate and severe forms of acne vulgaris in accordance with modern concepts of the pathogenesis of the disease.
Materials and methods. A long-term multipurpose observation was carried out, which included 28 patients with an established diagnosis of acne vulgaris, moderate and severe forms.
Patients received monotherapy with the drug Minoleksin®, depending on the severity, 50-100 mg per day. Before the start of the study and after the end of treatment, the patient was examined with a count of eruptive elements, a clinical and biochemical blood test, a study of the function of the sebaceous glands, laser scanning microscopy, laser Doppler flowmetry, determination of the dermatological index of quality of life, photographing (with the consent of the patient). In the course of therapy, the patient was examined and the tolerability of the drug was assessed.
Results. Evidence has been obtained of the effectiveness of minocycline in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris, which is confirmed by visual dermatological indicators, non-invasive research methods (results of sebumetry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, Doppler flowmetry), indicators of the dermatological quality of life index. When studying clinical and laboratory indicators, no safety problems were identified. No adverse events were recorded during the study.
Conclusion. Minoleksin® (minocycline) is a highly effective and safe drug for the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris and can be recommended for practical use in outpatient practice.
The full text of the article can be found in the file “Antibacterial therapy for acne vulgaris”
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Minoleksin® capsules 50 mg
Broad spectrum antibiotic
- Capsules 50 mg 20 pcs.
- Minocycline
- Acne, infections of the skin and urogenital tract including sexually transmitted infections, pneumonia, bronchitis
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Minoleksin® capsules 100 mg
Broad spectrum antibiotic
- Capsules 100 mg #20
- Minocycline
- Infections of the skin, urogenital tract, including sexually transmitted infections, pneumonia, bronchitis
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Why dermatologists prescribe minocycline for severe acne
Why dermatologists prescribe minocycline for treatment
severe acne
If you have ever
had to deal with severe acne, you probably turned to
dermatologist. And if you’ve been to a dermatologist for acne, they’re more likely to
have discussed the use of oral medications as part of your strategy
fight. For chronic, intense, widespread acne – and when
topical treatments (over-the-counter or prescription) by themselves do not
help, dermatologists often prescribe oral antibiotics. They work,
having a system-wide effect by targeting acne-causing bacteria, and
deal with the problem from within.
Minocycline is one of the
the most commonly prescribed drugs. But how exactly does it work and how does it
different from other acne medicines? Dermatologists ahead Dr. Joshua
Zeichner, Dr. Y. Claire Chang, Dr. Jeremy Fenton, and Dr. Jordan Carville explain,
why they may prescribe this drug and how exactly it can be
an additional element necessary to achieve clear skin
forever.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner –
director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology
Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Yu Claire Chang, MD,
Certified Cosmetologist-Dermatologist at Union Laser Dermatology Department
Square in New York. Jordan Carquill, MD, renowned dermatologist from
Chicago, Illinois. Jeremy Fenton, MD, dermatologist at Schweiger
Dermatology Group in New York.
What is minocycline
Minocycline is
an antibiotic from the tetracycline family. “It has both antibacterial and
and anti-inflammatory properties and is used for a wide range of
infectious diseases, as well as for the treatment of inflammatory skin
diseases like acne,” Chang explains. Into the tetracycline category
includes other antibiotics, namely doxycycline, another commonly prescribed
antibiotic for acne, but minocycline has a few unique features.
“It is the most oil-soluble of all the antibiotics in this class, which
improves its penetration into the oil-rich environment of the hair follicle.
Zeichner says. Why is it important? He points out that this is where he should
be to act against acne. It also usually has fewer side effects.
effects than doxycycline (namely, a lower likelihood of increased
sun sensitivity and indigestion), and one study found
that resistance of acne bacteria to minocycline is generally lower than to others
antibiotics, Chung adds. An important attribute, since, speaking of any kind
antibiotics, bacterial resistance is always very relevant.
How it works
minocycline can help treat acne, it is important to first understand the
essence of acne pathology. Buckle up for a quick crash course
dermatology. At the core of the problem lies the chicken or egg cycle, in which
bacteria, fat and inflammation play a key role. “Causes of Acne
multifactorial, including overgrowth of bacteria on the skin and inflammatory
response to the presence of these bacteria. Excess oil production is often
leads to the multiplication of bacteria, by-products of bacteria lead to
inflammation and then to the cycle of inflammation,” explains Fenton.
Inject antibiotics into
particular class of tetracyclines. According to Carville, they not only suppress
bacteria that cause acne, p.acnes, but they themselves have anti-inflammatory
action. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy
dermatology, has shown that minocycline and doxycycline are effective
acne treatments.
However, a big nuance?
Systemic antibiotic, minocycline or other, not intended for treatment
regular blackheads, whiteheads, or episodic rashes. This is known as
comedonal acne, which does not have an inflammatory component and, as such,
usually don’t require antibiotics, Fenton notes. Instead, “minocycline and
Antibiotics are best used to combat active inflammatory
acne, in other words, with irritated, painful and red breakouts.
Carville says. They can also only be applied when local methods
treatments do not work or when acne is very severe and/or covers large
square, adds Zeichner.
How to use
In the end, everything
the dermatologists we spoke to indicate whether the reception is
antibiotics as part of your acne treatment plan, and if so, which one is it?
a difficult decision to discuss with your dermatologist. (Also worth
note that although minocycline is generally better tolerated than
doxycycline, the same study showed that none of them is more
effective than another.) If you and your dermatologist decide that minocycline is
the best course for you, here’s what you need to know: depending on the exact type and
dosages can be taken once or twice a day, Chang says, because
there are both conventional and extended release options,
the latter of which studies have shown are also safe and effective.
“Remember that any acne medication will work in six to eight weeks,
so don’t expect immediate results,” she adds. Although minocycline
has traditionally always been an oral drug, a foam with
topical minocycline, notes Fenton, who cites the June
study 2019years to prove its effectiveness. He adds that his
should be applied to the affected areas every night.
Side effects
Possible side effects
the effects of minocycline are the same as for the entire class of tetracyclines, namely:
the possibility of indigestion and fungal infections. And all antibiotics have
On the flip side, they destroy beneficial bacteria in the gut, notes Fenton.
Minocycline may cause dizziness most commonly and, in rare cases, pain
in the joints, fatigue and dark spots on the skin, says Zeichner. Version for
topical application may cause redness and irritation of the skin. Oh and very
it is important to note that you cannot take minocycline when you are pregnant or
breastfeed, or if you are allergic to tetracycline antibiotics.
As always, you should talk to your dermatologist about any existing
diseases before asking about minocycline.