Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking minocycline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. Take this medication with a full glass of water (8 ounces/240 milliliters) unless your doctor directs you otherwise. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help. However, minocycline may not work as well if you take it with food or milk, so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you may take it that way. If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this medication. For this reason, do not take it right before bedtime.

Take this medication 2 to 3 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or bismuth subsalicylate. Some examples include antacids, quinapril, sucralfate, vitamins/minerals, dairy products (such as milk, yogurt), and calcium-enriched juice. These products bind with minocycline, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.

The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

For the best effect, take this antibiotic at evenly spaced times. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times every day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.