Minocin

Minocin is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. It has been used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, skin infections, acne, gonorrhea, tick fever, chlamydia and other conditions. This drug works by slowing the growth of bacteria in the body. Minocin was approved by the FDA in 1972 and is classified as a tetracycline. The drug is sold under a variety of names.

Minocin has been linked to serious side effects such as loss of vision or total blindness. The drug has been associated to a condition called papilledema, which is swelling of the optic disc. Although discontinuation of this drug has been seen to reverse these effects, often the optic nerves have suffered from permanent damage. This damage has been known to cause permanent blindness in patients.

In 1999, Minocin was also linked to serious side effects in young patients taking the drug for acne. According to the Archives of Internal Medicine, 27,688 patients from ages 15-29 were studied while taking the antibiotic. It was found in the study that these patients were 8.5 times more likely to develop lupus-like syndrome after taking Minocin.

Serious side effects may include:

• Stomach cramps, diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat
• Pale or yellowed skin, weakness, dark colored urine, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin
• Fever, skin rash, bruising, severe tingling or numbness, muscle weakness
• Upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath
• Confusion, vomiting, swelling, weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all
• Headache or pain behind your eyes, ringing in your ears, vision problems
• Joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, general ill feeling, unusual thoughts or behavior, and/or seizure (convulsions)
• Severe skin reaction, such as fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Less serious side effects may include:

• Dizziness, tired feeling, spinning sensation
• Joint or muscle pain
• Discoloration of your skin or nails
• Mild nausea, mild diarrhea, upset stomach
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Swollen tongue, discoloration of your gums
• Vaginal itching or discharge