Minocycline: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It is a prescription medicine used for acne, skin infections, chest infections and other bacterial infections. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 4 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Minocycline works
Minocycline stops bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply. In acne it reduces the number of bacteria in the hair follicles, and it also has an anti-inflammatory effect that helps calm red, swollen spots.
What is Minocycline used for?
- Acne
- Skin infections
- Chest infections
- Other bacterial infections
Minocycline is mainly prescribed for moderate to severe acne, especially the inflamed type with red spots and pustules, when creams alone have not been enough. It may also be used for some other bacterial infections of the skin, chest and urinary tract that are sensitive to it. It has no effect on viral infections such as colds or flu.
Side effects of Minocycline
Common side effects of Minocycline are usually manageable and include:
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Blue-grey discolouration of the skin, teeth or nails with long-term use
Stop taking it and get medical help straight away if you have a severe headache with blurred or double vision, a severe or blistering rash, yellow skin or eyes, joint pain with fever, or severe or bloody diarrhoea.
Precautions and warnings
- It must not be used in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or in children under 12, as it can affect developing teeth and bones.
- Swallow it with a full glass of water while sitting or standing upright to protect the food pipe.
- Antacids and iron, calcium or zinc supplements reduce its absorption, so keep a gap between them.
- Dizziness can affect your ability to drive, and your doctor may check your liver function if you take it for a long time.
- Finish the course as prescribed, and tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease or lupus.
Frequently asked questions about Minocycline
What is the price of Minocycline in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Minocycline products currently in stock range from Rs 192 to Rs 649 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Monocin 50mg Tablet at Rs 192. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Minocycline are available in Pakistan?
Minocycline is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Monocin (Valor Pharmaceuticals), Minolox (Genome Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Minoderm (Glaxo Smithkline Ltd), Minogen (Mass Pharma Ltd) and Tetra-derm (Valor Pharmaceuticals).Do I need a prescription for Minocycline?
Yes. Minocycline is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Minocycline be used during pregnancy?
It must not be used in pregnancy, while breastfeeding or in children under 12, as it can affect developing teeth and bones.
Are all Minocycline brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Minocycline in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Minocycline brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 6 products containing Minocycline from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
