To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of minocycline hydrochloride capsules and other antibacterial drugs, minocycline hydrochloride capsules should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by bacteria.

Minocycline hydrochloride, USP, is a semisynthetic derivative of tetracycline, 4,7-Bis(dimethylamino)-1,4,4a,5,5a,6,11,12a-octahydro-3,10,12,12a-tetrahydroxy-1,11-dioxo-2-naphthacenecarboxamide monohydrochloride.



Its structural formula is:

Minocycline hydrochloride capsules, USP for oral administration contain minocycline hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 50 mg, 75 mg or 100 mg of minocycline. The capsule also contains the following inactive ingredients: corn starch and magnesium stearate. The empty hard gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and gelatin. In addition, the 50 mg capsule shells contain FD&C Red #3, D&C Red #33, and FD&C Yellow #6; the 75 mg capsule shells contain black iron oxide; and the 100 mg capsule shells contain FD&C Blue #1, D&C Red #28, FD&C Red #40, and red iron oxide. The capsules are printed with edible ink containing shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, strong ammonia solution, black iron oxide, and potassium hydroxide.

Following a single dose of two minocycline hydrochloride capsules, 100 mg administered to 18 normal fasting adult volunteers, maximum serum concentrations were attained in 1 to 4 hours (average 2.1 hours) and ranged from 2.1 to 5.1 mcg/mL (average 3.5 mcg/mL). The serum half-life in the normal volunteers ranged from 11.1 to 22.1 hours (average 15.5 hours).



When minocycline hydrochloride capsules were given concomitantly with a high-fat meal, which included dairy products, the extent of absorption of minocycline hydrochloride capsules was unchanged compared to dosing under fasting conditions. The mean Tmax was delayed by one hour when administered with food, compared to dosing under fasting conditions. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may be administered with or without food.



In previous studies with other minocycline dosage forms, the minocycline serum half-life ranged from 11 to 16 hours in 7 patients with hepatic dysfunction, and from 18 to 69 hours in 5 patients with renal dysfunction. The urinary and fecal recovery of minocycline when administered to 12 normal volunteers was one-half to one-third that of other tetracyclines.

Minocycline hydrochloride capsules, USP are indicated in the treatment of the following infections due to susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms:

            Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsialpox and tick fevers caused by rickettsiae.

            Respiratory tract infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

            Lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

            Psittacosis (Ornithosis) due to Chlamydophila psittaci.

            Trachoma caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, although the infectious agent is not always eliminated, as judged by immunofluorescence.

            Inclusion conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

            Nongonococcal urethritis, endocervical, or rectal infections in adults caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum or Chlamydia trachomatis.

            Relapsing fever due to Borrelia recurrentis.

            Chancroid caused by Haemophilus ducreyi.

            Plague due to Yersinia pestis.

            Tularemia due to Francisella tularensis.

            Cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae.

            Campylobacter fetus infections caused by Campylobacter fetus.

            Brucellosis due to Brucella species (in conjunction with streptomycin).

            Bartonellosis due to Bartonella bacilliformis.

            Granuloma inguinale caused by Klebsiella granulomatis.

Minocycline is indicated for the treatment of infections caused by the following gram-negative microorganisms when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:



            Escherichia coli.

            Enterobacter aerogenes.

            Shigella species.

            Acinetobacter species.

            Respiratory tract infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae.

            Respiratory tract and urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella species.

Minocycline hydrochloride capsules, USP are indicated for the treatment of infections caused by the following gram-positive microorganisms when bacteriologic testing indicates appropriate susceptibility to the drug:



            Upper respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

            Skin and skin structure infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. (Note: Minocycline is not the drug of choice in the treatment of any type of staphylococcal infection.)

When penicillin is contraindicated, minocycline is an alternative drug in the treatment of the following infections:



            Uncomplicated urethritis in men due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and for the treatment of other gonococcal infections.

            Infections in women caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

            Syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum.

            Yaws caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue.

            Listeriosis due to Listeria monocytogenes.

            Anthrax due to Bacillus anthracis.

            Vincent's infection caused by Fusobacterium fusiforme.

            Actinomycosis caused by Actinomyces israelii.

            Infections caused by Clostridium species.

In acute intestinal amebiasis, minocycline may be a useful adjunct to amebicides.



In severe acne, minocycline may be useful adjunctive therapy.



Oral minocycline is indicated in the treatment of asymptomatic carriers of Neisseria meningitidis to eliminate meningococci from the nasopharynx. In order to preserve the usefulness of minocycline in the treatment of asymptomatic meningococcal carriers, diagnostic laboratory procedures, including serotyping and susceptibility testing, should be performed to establish the carrier state and the correct treatment. It is recommended that the prophylactic use of minocycline be reserved for situations in which the risk of meningococcal meningitis is high.



Oral minocycline is not indicated for the treatment of meningococcal infection.



Although no controlled clinical efficacy studies have been conducted, limited clinical data show that oral minocycline hydrochloride has been used successfully in the treatment of infections caused by Mycobacterium marinum.



To reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of minocycline hydrochloride capsules, USP and other antibacterial drugs, minocycline hydrochloride capsules, USP should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy.

This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines or to any of the components of the product formulation.

Tooth Development

Minocycline hydrochloride, like other tetracycline-class antibiotics, can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. If any tetracycline is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking these drugs, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tooth development (last half of pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 8 years) may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth (yellow-gray-brown).

This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drug but has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. Tetracycline drugs, therefore, should not be used during tooth development unless other drugs are not likely to be effective or are contraindicated.

Skeletal Development

All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. A decrease in the fibula growth rate has been observed in premature human infants given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every six hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued.

Use in Pregnancy

Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has been noted in animals treated early in pregnancy.

Dermatologic Reaction

Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) including fatal cases has been reported with minocycline use. If this syndrome is recognized, the drug should be discontinued immediately.

Antianabolic Action

The antianabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN). While this is not a problem in those with normal renal function, in patients with significantly impaired function, higher serum levels of tetracycline may lead to azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, and acidosis. Under such conditions, monitoring of creatinine and BUN is recommended, and the total daily dosage should not exceed 200 mg in 24 hours (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). If renal impairment exists, even usual oral or parenteral doses may lead to systemic accumulation of the drug and possible liver toxicity.

Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. This has been reported with minocycline.

Central Nervous System

Central nervous system side effects including lightheadedness, dizziness, or vertigo have been reported with minocycline therapy. Patients who experience these symptoms should be cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery while on minocycline therapy. These symptoms may disappear during therapy and usually disappear rapidly when the drug is discontinued.

Clostridium difficile Associated Diarrhea

Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including minocycline hydrochloride, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon leading to overgrowth of C. difficile.

C. difficile produces toxins A and B which contribute to the development of CDAD. Hypertoxin-producing strains of C. difficile cause increased morbidity and mortality, as these infections can be refractory to antimicrobial therapy and may require colectomy. CDAD must be considered in all patients who present with diarrhea following antibiotic use. Careful medical history is necessary since CDAD has been reported to occur over two months after the administration of antibacterial agents.

If CDAD is suspected or confirmed, ongoing antibiotic use not directed against C. difficile may need to be discontinued. Appropriate fluid and electrolyte management, protein supplementation, antibiotic treatment of C. difficile, and surgical evaluation should be instituted as clinically indicated.

Intracranial Hypertension

Intracranial hypertension (IH, pseudotumor cerebri) has been associated with the use of tetracyclines including minocycline hydrochloride. Clinical manifestations of IH include headache, blurred vision, diplopia, and vision loss; papilledema can be found on fundoscopy. Women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of IH are at greater risk for developing tetracycline-associated IH. Concomitant use of isotretinoin and minocycline hydrochloride should be avoided because isotretinoin is also known to cause pseudotumor cerebri.

Although IH typically resolves after discontinuation of treatment, the possibility for permanent visual loss exists. If visual disturbance occurs during treatment, prompt ophthalmologic evaluation is warranted. Since intracranial pressure can remain elevated for weeks after drug cessation, patients should be monitored until they stabilize.

Due to oral minocycline's virtually complete absorption, side effects to the lower bowel, particularly diarrhea, have been infrequent. The following adverse reactions have been observed in patients receiving tetracyclines:

Body as a whole: Fever and discoloration of secretions.

Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, stomatitis, glossitis, dysphagia, enamel hypoplasia, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis, pancreatitis, inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the oral and anogenital regions. Instances of esophagitis and esophageal ulcerations have been reported in patients taking the tetracycline-class antibiotics in capsule and tablet form. Most of these patients took the medication immediately before going to bed (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Genitourinary: Vulvovaginitis.

Hepatic toxicity: Hyperbilirubinemia, hepatic cholestasis, increases in liver enzymes, fatal hepatic failure, and jaundice. Hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis, and liver failure have been reported (see PRECAUTIONS).

Skin: Alopecia, erythema nodosum, hyperpigmentation of nails, pruritus, toxic epidermal necrolysis, vasculitis, maculopapular rash and erythematous rash. Exfoliative dermatitis has been reported. Fixed drug eruptions have been reported. Lesions occurring on the glans penis have caused balanitis. Erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported. Photosensitivity is discussed above (see WARNINGS). Pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes has been reported.

Respiratory: Cough, dyspnea, bronchospasm, exacerbation of asthma, and pneumonitis.

Renal toxicity: Interstitial nephritis. Elevations in BUN have been reported and are apparently dose related (see WARNINGS). Reversible acute renal failure has been reported.

Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, arthritis, bone discoloration, myalgia, joint stiffness, and joint swelling.

Hypersensitivity reactions: Urticaria, angioneurotic edema, polyarthralgia, anaphylaxis/anaphylactoid reaction (including shock and fatalities), anaphylactoid purpura, myocarditis, pericarditis, exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus and pulmonary infiltrates with eosinophilia have been reported. A transient lupus-like syndrome and serum sickness-like reactions also have been reported.

Blood: Agranulocytosis, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, pancytopenia, and eosinophilia have been reported.

Central Nervous System: Convulsions, dizziness, hypesthesia, paresthesia, sedation, and vertigo. Bulging fontanels in infants and benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) in adults have been reported (see PRECAUTIONS - General). Headache has also been reported.

Other: Thyroid cancer has been reported in the postmarketing setting in association with minocycline products. When minocycline therapy is given over prolonged periods, monitoring for signs of thyroid cancer should be considered. When given over prolonged periods, tetracyclines have been reported to produce brown-black microscopic discoloration of the thyroid gland. Cases of abnormal thyroid function have been reported.

Tooth discoloration in children less than 8 years of age (see WARNINGS) and also in adults has been reported.

Oral cavity discoloration (including tongue, lip, and gum) has been reported.

Tinnitus and decreased hearing have been reported in patients on minocycline hydrochloride.

The following syndromes have been reported. In some cases involving these syndromes, death has been reported. As with other serious adverse reactions, if any of these syndromes are recognized, the drug should be discontinued immediately:

Hypersensitivity syndrome consisting of cutaneous reaction (such as rash or exfoliative dermatitis), eosinophilia, and one or more of the following: hepatitis, pneumonitis, nephritis, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Fever and lymphadenopathy may be present.

Lupus-like syndrome consisting of positive antinuclear antibody; arthralgia, arthritis, joint stiffness, or joint swelling; and one or more of the following: fever, myalgia, hepatitis, rash, and vasculitis.

Serum sickness-like syndrome consisting of fever; urticaria or rash; and arthralgia, arthritis, joint stiffness, or joint swelling and lymphadenopathy. Eosinophilia may be present.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

The adverse events more commonly seen in overdose are dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.



No specific antidote for minocycline is known.



In case of overdosage, discontinue medication, treat symptomatically, and institute supportive measures. Minocycline is not removed in significant quantities by hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

THE USUAL DOSAGE AND FREQUENCY OF ADMINISTRATION OF MINOCYCLINE DIFFERS FROM THAT OF THE OTHER TETRACYCLINES. EXCEEDING THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE MAY RESULT IN AN INCREASED INCIDENCE OF SIDE EFFECTS.



Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may be taken with or without food (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). 



Ingestion of adequate amounts of fluids along with capsule and tablet forms of drugs in the tetracycline-class is recommended to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration. The capsules should be swallowed whole.



For Pediatric Patients above 8 Years of Age



Usual pediatric dose: 4 mg/kg initially followed by 2 mg/kg every 12 hours, not to exceed the usual adult dose.

NDC: 71335-1237-1: 90 Capsules in a BOTTLE

NDC: 71335-1237-2: 50 Capsules in a BOTTLE

NDC: 71335-1237-3: 60 Capsules in a BOTTLE

NDC: 71335-1237-4: 30 Capsules in a BOTTLE

NDC: 71335-1237-5: 100 Capsules in a BOTTLE

Minocycline hydrochloride has been observed to cause a dark discoloration of the thyroid in experimental animals (rats, minipigs, dogs, and monkeys). In the rat, chronic treatment with minocycline hydrochloride has resulted in goiter accompanied by elevated radioactive iodine uptake and evidence of thyroid tumor production. Minocycline hydrochloride has also been found to produce thyroid hyperplasia in rats and dogs.



For more information, you can call Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 (toll–free). Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Minocycline Hydrochloride Capsules, USP



(min'' oh sye' kleen hye'' droe klor' ide)

Read the Patient Information that comes with minocycline hydrochloride capsules before you or a family member starts taking them and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This leaflet does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.



What are minocycline hydrochloride capsules?



Minocycline hydrochloride capsules are a tetracycline-class antibiotic medicine. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules are used to treat certain infections caused by bacteria. These include infections of the skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, some sexually transmitted diseases, and others. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may be used along with other treatments for severe acne.



Sometimes other germs, called viruses, cause infections. The common cold is a virus. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules, like other antibiotics, do not treat viruses.



Who should not use minocycline hydrochloride capsules?



Do not take minocycline hydrochloride capsules if you are allergic to minocycline or other tetracycline antibiotics.



Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a list of these medications if you are not sure. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in minocycline hydrochloride capsules.



Minocycline hydrochloride capsules are not recommended for pregnant women or children up to 8 years old because:

         1. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may harm an unborn baby 

         2. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may permanently turn a baby's or child's teeth yellow-gray-brown during tooth development. Tooth development happens in the last half of         

             pregnancy and birth to age 8 years.

What should I tell my doctor before starting minocycline hydrochloride capsules?



Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have liver or kidney problems.
• are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may harm your unborn baby. Stop taking minocycline hydrochloride capsules and call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking them.
• are breast feeding. Minocycline passes into your milk and may harm your baby. You should decide whether to use minocycline hydrochloride capsules or breastfeed, but not both.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking including prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules and other medicines may interact. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

• birth control pills. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may make your birth control pills less effective. 
• a blood thinner medicine. The dose of your blood thinner may have to be lowered.
• a penicillin antibiotic medicine. Minocycline hydrochloride capsules and penicillins should not be used together.
• migraine medicines called ergot alkaloids.
• an acne medicine called isotretinoin (Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret).
• antacids that contain aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, or iron-containing products.

Know the medicines you take, keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.



How should I take minocycline hydrochloride capsules?

• Take minocycline hydrochloride capsules exactly as your doctor tells you to take them. Skipping doses or not taking all your minocycline hydrochloride capsules may:
  • Decrease the effectiveness of the treatment
  • Increase the chance that bacteria will develop resistance to minocycline hydrochloride capsules
• Take minocycline hydrochloride capsules with a full glass of liquid. Taking minocycline hydrochloride capsules with enough liquid may lower your chance of getting irritation or ulcers in your esophagus. Your esophagus is the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.
• Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may be taken with or without food. If you forget to take minocycline hydrochloride capsules, take them as soon as you remember.
• If you take too much minocycline hydrochloride, call your doctor or poison control center right away.

What are the possible side effects of minocycline hydrochloride capsules?



Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may cause serious side effects. Stop minocycline hydrochloride  capsules and call your doctor if you have:

• watery diarrhea
• bloody stools
• stomach cramps
• unusual headaches
• blurred vision
• fever
• rash
• joint pain
• feeling very tired
• swollen lymph nodes

Minocycline hydrochloride capsules may also cause:

• central nervous system effects. Symptoms include light-headedness, dizziness, and a spinning feeling (vertigo). You should not drive or operate machines if you have these symptoms.
• sun sensitivity (photosensitivity). You may get a worse sunburn with minocycline hydrochloride capsules. Avoid sun exposure and the use of sunlamps or tanning beds. Protect your skin while out in the sunlight. Stop minocycline hydrochloride capsules and call your doctor if your skin turns red.

These are not all the side effects with minocycline hydrochloride capsules. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR MEDICAL ADVICE ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS. YOU MAY REPORT SIDE EFFECTS TO THE FDA AT 1-800-FDA-1088.



How should I store minocycline hydrochloride capsules?

• Store minocycline hydrochloride capsules at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.
• Throw away any minocycline hydrochloride capsules that are outdated or no longer needed.
• Keep minocycline hydrochloride capsules and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General advice about minocycline hydrochloride capsules



Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use minocycline hydrochloride capsules for a condition for which they were not prescribed. Do not give minocycline hydrochloride capsules to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. They may harm them.



This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about minocycline hydrochloride capsules. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor.



Your doctor or pharmacist can give you information about minocycline hydrochloride capsules that is written for healthcare professionals. For more information, you can also call Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. at 1-866-850-2876 (toll–free). Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.



What are the ingredients in minocycline hydrochloride capsules?



Active ingredient: minocycline hydrochloride USP, 50 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg



Inactive ingredients: Corn starch and magnesium stearate. The empty hard gelatin capsule shells contain titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, and gelatin. In addition, the 50 mg capsule shells contain FD&C Red #3, D&C Red #33, and FD&C Yellow #6; the 75 mg capsule shells contain black iron oxide; and the 100 mg capsule shells contain FD&C Blue #1, D&C Red #28, FD&C Red #40, and red iron oxide. The capsules are printed with edible ink containing shellac, dehydrated alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, strong ammonia solution, black iron oxide, and potassium hydroxide.



Distributed by:

Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc.

279 Princeton-Hightstown Road

East Windsor, NJ 08520



Manufactured by:

Aurobindo Pharma Limited

Hyderabad–500 032, India



Revised: 02/2022

Minocycline 50mg Capsule