minocycline (mucous membrane powder)

What is the most important information I should know about minocycline?

What is minocycline?

Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that fights bacteria.

Minocycline mucous membrane powder is used together with certain dental procedures to treat periodontitis (gum disease). Periodontitis is an infection that causes inflammation in the gums around your teeth. This can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets. Gum shrinkage can lead to tooth loss.

Minocycline powder may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving minocycline?

To make sure minocycline is safe for you, tell your dentist if you have:

• diabetes;
• weak immune system (caused by HIV or other disease);
• sores or white patches in your mouth or throat (thrush or oral yeast infection); or
• a condition for which you use treatments that can cause mouth sores (chemotherapy or radiation, steroids, antibiotics, or immunosuppressants).

How is minocycline given?

You will receive this medicine in a dentist's office.

Minocycline powder is applied directly into the pockets between your gums and teeth. Your dentist will use a special device to place the medicine into these pockets.

For at least 1 week after treatment: You should not chew hard or crunchy foods such as carrots, or sticky foods such as hard candy, taffy, or gum.

For at least 10 days after treatment: You should not use dental floss or a dental pick.

Minocycline powder is only part of a complete treatment program that also includes good oral hygiene and routine dental care.

You may need to receive up to 3 treatments spaced 3 months apart. Follow your dentist's instructions very closely.

Replace your toothbrush with a new one every 3 or 4 months.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a dentist in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving minocycline?

What are the possible side effects of minocycline?

Some of these signs of allergic reaction have occurred when minocycline was taken by mouth in a pill form. It is not known whether Arestin minocycline powder would cause these same effects when used in dentistry.

• tooth pain;
• pain or swelling in your gums;
• fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain or swelling, muscle aches, general ill feeling; or
• severe skin reaction --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.

Common side effects may include:

• increased tooth sensitivity;
• pain;
• headache;
• infection; or
• flu-like symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect minocycline?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on minocycline applied to your gums and teeth. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

Your dentist can provide more information about minocycline mucous membrane powder.