Minocin new acne drug

Minocin is a prescription drug used for treating acne and various types of bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacteria's ability to grow and multiply. The medication comes in the form of capsules, and is typically taken two to four times a day. Possible side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

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What Is Minocin?

Minocin^® (minocycline hydrochloride) is a prescription antibiotic approved to treat and prevent a number of different conditions. Common uses include the following:

 

• Treatment of acne (see Minocycline for Acne)
   
• Treatment of bacterial infections, such as:

• Certain types of pneumonia
• Certain types of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Anthrax.

(Click Minocin Uses for more information, including information about possible off-label uses.)

 

Who Makes Minocin?

Currently, this medication is made by Patheon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for Triax Pharmaceuticals, LLC.

 

How Does Minocin Work?

Minocin belongs to a class of drugs called tetracyclines. It decreases bacteria's ability to make protein, which bacteria need to live. This activity does not directly kill the bacteria, but it does inhibit their growth and multiplication, which gives the immune system a chance to fight the infection

When and How Do I Take It?

Some considerations for people taking this drug include the following:

 

• The medication comes as a capsule that is taken by mouth, usually two to four times daily.
   
• Minocin can be taken with or without food.
   
• It is important to take the capsules with plenty of water (or other fluids) while in an upright position, in order to prevent the medication from irritating the throat. Do not lie down immediately after taking this medication.
   
• It does not matter what time of day you take this medication. However, it should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your system.
   
• For the drug to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work adequately if you stop taking it too soon.
   

Dosing Information for Minocin

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:

 

• The condition being treated
• Your weight (for children)
• Other medical conditions you may have
• Other medications you are currently taking.
   

As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning that they require no treatment or are easily treated by your healthcare provider.

 

Possible side effects of this drug include, but are not limited to:

 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
  • • .  

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Using It?

You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:

 

• Liver disease or liver failure
• Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
• Frequent yeast infections
• Any other allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
   

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:

 

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Minocycline and Pregnancy)
• Breastfeeding (see Minocycline and Breastfeeding).
   

Tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

 

(Click Minocin Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)

 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include, but are not limited to:

 

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
   

If you happen to overdose on this medication, seek immediate medical attention (see Minocycline Overdose).

How Should It Be Stored?

Minocin capsules should be stored at room temperature and kept protected from light and moisture. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.

 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your dosage as scheduled, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

Strengths of Minocin

Minocin capsules come in the following strengths:

 

• Minocin 50 mg
• Minocin 100 mg.
   

Generic Availability of Minocin

This medication is available in generic form (see Generic Minocin).

 

New Acne Treatment 2012

There are many different treatments for mild acne, such as gently washing the face, over-the-counter lotions, or prescription creams. Treatment for moderate to moderately severe acne can include antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. To help prevent scarring, a dermatologist should recommend treatment for severe acne. Severe cases may require acne treatment in the form of oral antibiotics, Accutane, contraceptives, injections, or even surgery.

Treatment for Acne: An Overview

Acne is often treated by dermatologists (doctors who specialize in skin problems). These doctors treat all kinds of acne, particularly severe cases. Doctors who are general or family practitioners, pediatricians, or internists may treat people with milder cases of acne.

The goals of acne treatment are to:

• Heal existing lesions
• Stop new lesions from forming
• Prevent scarring
• Minimize the psychological stress and embarrassment caused by acne.

Treating Mild Acne

There are many treatments for mild acne. Mild acne can consist of whiteheads, blackheads, and small pustules.

At home, you can wash your face twice per day with warm water and a gentle cleanser or soap. Your doctor may also suggest that you try an over-the-counter lotion or cream for acne treatment. These medicines may make your skin dry if you use them too much, so be sure to follow the directions carefully.

If these acne medications don't work, your doctor may prescribe a cream or lotion with benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur. Benzoyl peroxide works to reduce the oil made by the glands. Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur help break down whiteheads and blackheads.

If your acne does not get better after six to eight weeks, talk with your doctor about changing your acne treatment.

Treatment for Moderate to Moderately Severe Acne

This type of acne consists of several whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules that cover from one-quarter to three-fourths of the face and/or other parts of the body.

 

Treatment for this type of acne can include antibiotic lotions or gels, as well as retinoic acid. Retinoic acid is an altered form of vitamin A. It helps prevent whiteheads and blackheads.

 

Your doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic pill, such as erythromycin for your acne treatment. If you take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, antibiotics can affect how well they work. Be sure to use a second method of birth control with the pill, such as a condom.

 

Retinoic acid and antibiotic pills can make the skin sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen and stay in the shade while using them.

 

Treating Severe Acne

Severe acne consists of deep cysts, redness, swelling, extreme damage to the skin, and scarring. A dermatologist should recommend an acne treatment in this case. Scarring can be prevented with appropriate treatment.

 

Your dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives. Large inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of a drug that lessens the redness, swelling, and irritation, and that promotes healing.

 

What About Accutane?

Your dermatologist may prescribe Accutane^® if other acne treatments have not worked. This is a strong medicine that can help prevent scarring and treat active disease. But Accutane can also cause birth defects. It is important that you are not pregnant and do not plan to get pregnant while taking this drug. You must use two methods of birth control at the same time during treatment. This is done for one month before treatment begins, during treatment, and for a full month after stopping the drug. Talk with your dermatologist about when it's safe to get pregnant.

 

Other side effects of this medication for acne may include:

 

• Dry eyes
• Itching
• Mood changes
• Changes in the blood and liver.
   

You and your dermatologist can decide whether this medication is right for you based on the pros and cons. It's important to use any prescribed acne medicine exactly as you are advised. Taking more medicine than you are supposed to take may make your acne or general health worse. Ask your doctor what to do if you miss a dose

Acne Treatment: Drainage or Removal

Some large cysts do not respond to medication and may need to be drained or removed. Your dermatologist is the only person who should drain or remove these cysts. You should never try to drain or remove your acne by squeezing or picking. This can lead to infection, worsen your acne, and cause scarring.

 

Surgery as a Treatment for Acne

If you have scarring, your dermatologist may suggest surgery to help heal lesions and remove scarring. A laser can reshape scar tissue and reduce redness. Dermabrasion is a type of surgery that can remove surface scars and reduce the depth of deep scars. Another option is to transfer fat from one part of the body to the face. In some cases, a single treatment can help scarring. But for lasting results, several sessions of this acne treatment are often needed. There are also topical treatments for acne scarring.

 

Photodynamic therapy is a new treatment for acne. It begins with light microdermabrasion. This is used to remove dead skin cells on the face's surface. Then, an acid is put on the skin for 30 to 60 minutes. After this, the acid is taken off. Lastly, the skin is treated with a laser. This treatment is still being researched, but seems to give positive long-term results.

 

Treatment for Hormonal Acne in Women

For adult women who break out mainly around their menstrual cycle, some birth control pills can help. Research shows that these pills can clear acne by slowing down overactive oil glands in the skin.

 

Sometimes, birth control pills are used along with a drug called spironolactone to treat acne in adult females. This medication lowers levels of the hormone androgen in the body. Androgen stimulates the skin's oil glands. Side effects include irregular menstruation, breast tenderness, headache, and fatigue. Spironolactone is not an appropriate form of acne treatment for all people.

 

Can I Prevent Acne

Can I Prevent Acne

Can I Prevent Acne

Acne Prevention

Good skin care, avoiding excessive sun exposure, choosing make-up and hair care products carefully, and talking with your doctor about what treatments can help are all part of preventing acne. Avoiding things that rub the skin -- such as backpacks and sports equipment -- can also be helpful in preventing breakouts.

Can I Prevent Acne?

You can help prevent acne flare-ups and scars by taking proper care of your skin. Suggestions for a good acne prevention plan include:

 

• Clean your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day -- once in the morning and once at night. It is also important to gently clean the skin after heavy exercise. Avoid strong soaps and rough scrub pads. Harsh scrubbing of the skin may make acne worse. Wash your entire face from under the jaw up to the hairline and rinse thoroughly. Remove make-up gently with a mild soap and water. Ask your doctor before using an astringent.
   
• Wash your hair on a regular basis. If your hair is oily, you may want to wash it more often.
   
• Do not squeeze or pick at acne lesions (also known as zits or pimples). This can cause acne scars.
   
• Avoid getting sunburned. Several acne medications can make you more prone to sunburn. Many people think that the sun helps acne because the redness from sunburn may make acne lesions less visible. But too much sun can also increase your risk of skin cancer and early aging of the skin. When you're going to be outside, use sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Also, try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
   
• Choose make-up and hair care products that are non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic. These products have been made in a way that they don't cause acne. You may also want to use products that are oil-free.
   
• Avoid things that rub the skin as much as you can, such as backpacks and sports equipment.
   
• Talk with your doctor about what acne treatment options can help. Take your medicine as prescribed. Be sure to tell your doctor if you think the medicines you take for other health problems make your acne worse.