Minocyn: Full Drug Profile

Minocyn - General Information

A tetracycline analog, having a 7-dimethylamino and lacking the 5 methyl and hydroxyl groups, which is effective against tetracycline-resistant staphylococcus infections. [PubChem]

Pharmacology of Minocyn

Minocyn, the most lipid soluble and most active tetracycline antibiotic, is, like doxycycline, a long-acting tetracycline. Minocyn's effects are related to the inhibition of protein synthesis. Although minocycline's broader spectrum of activity, compared to other members of the group, includes activity against Neisseria meningitidis, its use as a prophylaxis is no longer recomended because of side effects (dizziness and vertigo). Current research is examining the possible neuroprotective effects of minocycline against progression of Huntington's Disease, an inherited neurodegenerative disorder. The neuroprotective action of minocycline may include its inhibitory effect on 5-lipoxygenase, an inflammatory enzyme associated with brain aging.

Minocyn for patients

Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Patients apt to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light should be advised that this reaction can occur with tetracycline drugs, and treatment should be discontinued at the first evidence of skin erythema. This reaction has been reported rarely with use of minocycline.

Patients who experience central nervous system symptoms should be cautioned about driving vehicles or using hazardous machinery while on minocycline therapy.

Concurrent use of tetracycline may render oral contraceptives less effective.

Minocyn Interactions

Because tetracyclines have been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity, patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosage.

Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracycline-class drugs in conjunction with penicillin.

Absorption of tetracyclines is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium, and iron-containing preparations.

The concurrent use of tetracycline and methoxyflurane has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity.

Concurrent use of tetracyclines with oral contraceptives may render oral contraceptives less effective.

Minocyn Contraindications

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

Additional information about Minocyn

Minocyn Indication

For the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of microorganisms, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, typhus fever and the typhus group, Q fever, rickettsial pox and tick fevers caused by Rickettsiae, upper respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and for the treatment of asymptomatic carriers of Neisseria meningitidis.

Mechanism Of Action

Minocyn passes directly through the lipid bilayer or passively diffuses through porin channels in the bacterial membrane. Tetracyclines like minocycline bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the binding of tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex and interfering with protein synthesis.

Drug Interactions

Acitretin Increased risk of intracranial hypertension

Food Interactions

Take with food.

Generic Name

Minocycline

Drug Category

Anti-Bacterial Agents; Tetracyclines

Drug Type

Small Molecule; Approved

Other Brand Names containing Minocycline

Alti-Minocycline; Apo-Minocycline; Arestin; Dynacin; Gen-Minocycline; Klinomycin; Minociclina [Inn-Spanish]; Minocin; Minocyclin; Minocycline HCl; Minocyclinum [Inn-Latin]; Minocyn; Minomycin; Novo-Minocycline; Vectrin;

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and absorption is not significantly impaired by ingestion of food or milk. Oral bioavailability is 100%.

Toxicity (Overdose)

Minocycline 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 has resulted in goiter accompanied by elevated radioactive iodine uptake and evidence of thyroid tumor production. Minocycline has also been found to produce thyroid hyperplasia in rats and dogs. LD₅₀=2380 mg/kg (rat, oral), LD₅₀=3600 mg/kg (mouse, oral)

Protein Binding

55% to 76%

Biotransformation

Hepatic.

Half Life

11-22 hours

Dosage Forms of Minocyn

Capsule Oral

Chemical IUPAC Name

(2Z,4S,4aS,5aR,12aS)-2-(amino-hydroxymethylidene)-4,7-bis(dimethylamino)-10,11,12a-trihydroxy-4a,5,5a,6-tetrahydro-4H-tetracene-1,3,12-trione

Chemical Formula

C23H27N3O7

Minocycline on Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minocycline

Organisms Affected

Enteric bacteria and other eubacteria