VECTRIN

Drug Name: VECTRIN

VECTRIN DESCRIPTION:
MINOCYCLINE - ORAL (min-oh-SYE-kleen)

COMMON VECTRIN BRAND NAME(S):
Dynacin, Minocin

VECTRIN SIDE EFFECTS:
VECTRIN may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, headache or vomiting. If these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Minocycline increases sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen if needed. Very unlikely but report fever, yellowing of the eyes or skin, stomach pain, sore throat, or vision/mental changes. Use of VECTRIN for prolonged or repeated periods may result in a secondary infection (e.g., oral, bladder or vaginal yeast infection). In those cases where VECTRIN must be used for extended periods, blue-gray skin discoloration may occur. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE VECTRIN:
VECTRIN: Take each dose by mouth with a full glass of water (4oz. or 120ml) or more. Do not lie down for at least 1 hour after taking VECTRIN. Food or milk taken with this medicime may reduce the amount of VECTRIN reaching your bloodstream. This interaction is unlikely to affect your treatment but consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice (especially if you have stomach upset). Follow all directions exactly. The liquid suspension form of this medicine must be shaken well before each dose. Avoid taking antacids containing magnesium, aluminum and calcium, or iron products, zinc (including vitamins) and sucralfate within 2-3 hours of taking VECTRIN. These products may bind with the medicine, preventing absorption. Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Do this by taking the medication at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night. Continue to take VECTRIN until the full prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow resulting in a relapse of the infection.

VECTRIN USES:
Minocycline is an antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections including acne.

VECTRIN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of kidney or liver problems, any allergies, trouble swallowing or esophagus problems (e.g., hiatal hernia, GERD). Minocycline may make you more prone to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen. VECTRIN should not be used by children up to 8 years of age because its use may permanently discolor their teeth or cause other problems. Caution is advised in older children also. Minocycline is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using VECTRIN. Minocycline passes into breast milk and has had undesirable effects on nursing infants. Using VECTRIN while breast-feeding is not recommended. Consult your doctor.

VECTRIN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially if you take penicillin-type antibiotics, warfarin, antacids, iron or vitamins (zinc) or sucralfate. This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other types of birth control. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

VECTRIN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

VECTRIN NOTES:
VECTRIN has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection or give it to someone else. A different medication may be necessary.

MISSED VECTRIN DOSE:
If you should miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

VECTRIN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.