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Minocycline Topical Foam

What is this medication?

MINOCYCLINE (mi noe SYE kleen) treats acne or rosacea. It works by decreasing inflammation and killing or preventing the growth of bacteria on your skin. It belongs to a group of medications called tetracycline antibiotics.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Amzeeq, Zilxi

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to minocycline, tetracycline antibiotics, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Do not take it by mouth. Wash your hands before and after use. Do not get it in your eyes. If you do, rinse your eyes with plenty of cool tap water. Use it as directed on the label at the same time every day. Do not use it more often than directed. Use it for the full course as directed by your care team, even if you think you are better. Do not stop using it unless your care team tells you to stop it early.

Shake the can well before using it. Clean the affected area of the skin and pat it dry. Hold the can upright and spray the medication into your hand. Rub it into the affected area until the foam disappears.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 9 for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

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Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin
  • Isotretinoin
  • Penicillin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not treat diarrhea with over the counter products. Contact your care team if you have diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days or if it is severe and watery.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medication. Women should inform their care team if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medication. Hormone forms of birth control may not work as well with this medication. Talk to your care team about other forms of birth control. There is potential for serious harm to an unborn child. Talk to your care team for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medication.

Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun, If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
  • Joint pain
  • Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
  • Pain or trouble swallowing
  • Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
  • Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • Severe diarrhea, fever
  • Unusual vaginal discharge, itching, or odor

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Change in tooth color
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not refrigerate. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication 90 days after opening.

This medication is flammable. Avoid exposure to heat, fire, flame, and smoking.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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