Vectrin

 
Generic Name: minocycline

Brands: Dynacin, Minocin, Vectrin

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

· Take all of the Vectrin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· Children younger than 8 years of age should not take Vectrin. Vectrin can cause permanent tooth discoloration and adversely affect growth.

· Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Vectrin. These products may decrease the effectiveness of Vectrin.

· Vectrin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control while taking Vectrin to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy.

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Vectrin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, and severe burning may result. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen if exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

 

What is Vectrin?

· Vectrin is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

· Vectrin is used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and others.

· Vectrin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Vectrin?

· Before taking Vectrin, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to take Vectrin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during therapy.

· Vectrin is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Vectrin may affect bone and tooth development in the developing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Vectrin passes into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· Children younger than 8 years of age should not take Vectrin. It can cause permanent tooth discoloration, and it can affect growth.

 

How should I take Vectrin?

· Take Vectrin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 ounces).

· Vectrin (Minocin, Vectrin) may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Milk and other dairy products should be avoided, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, as they may decrease the absorption of Vectrin. Instructions regarding Vectrin use may vary by manufacturer. If you need to take Vectrin with milk, talk to your pharmacist to verify if your particular prescription should be taken with dairy products.

· Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Vectrin. These products may reduce the effectiveness of Vectrin.

· Take all of the Vectrin that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· It is important to take Vectrin regularly to get the most benefit.

· Throw away any unused Vectrin when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any Vectrin after the expiration date printed on the label. Expired Vectrin can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.

· Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a Vectrin overdose include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

What should I avoid while taking Vectrin?

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or artificial UV light (e.g., tanning beds). Vectrin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

· Do not take iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements, antacids, or laxatives within 2 hours of taking Vectrin. These products may reduce the effectiveness of Vectrin.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Vectrin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Throw away any unused Vectrin when it expires or when it is no longer needed. Do not take any Vectrin after the expiration date printed on the bottle. Expired Vectrin can cause a dangerous syndrome resulting in damage to the kidneys.

 

What are the possible side effects of Vectrin?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Vectrin and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·severe headache, vision changes, or confusion;     ·liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or     ·blood problems (fever, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding).

· If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue to take Vectrin and talk to your doctor:     ·nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;     ·increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight;     ·dizziness;     ·swollen tongue; or     ·vaginal yeast infection.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Vectrin?

· Before taking Vectrin, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:     ·cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid);     ·an antacid such as Tums, Rolaids, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, and others;     ·a product that contains bismuth subsalicylate such as Pepto-Bismol;     ·minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements;     ·didanosine (Videx);     ·a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);     ·sucralfate (Carafate);     ·a penicillin antibiotic such as amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox, others), penicillin (BeePen-VK, Pen-Vee K, Veetids, others), dicloxacillin (Dynapen), carbenicillin (Geocillin), oxacillin (Bactocill), and others; or     ·methoxyflurane (an inhaled anesthetic gas used during surgery).

· You may not be able to take Vectrin or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

· Vectrin may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use a second method of birth control to ensure protection from unintended pregnancy while taking Vectrin.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Vectrin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Vectrin written for health professionals that you may read.