Akamin (Minocycline (As Hydrochloride Dihydrate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Akamin Used For?
Akamin contains minocycline, an antibiotic that belongs to a group of medicines called tetracyclines. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause infections or make acne worse.
Primary Uses
Akamin is used to treat certain bacterial infections and to control acne that is resistant to other antibiotics. It will not work against viral infections such as colds or flu.
How It Works
Akamin stops the growth of bacteria which cause infections or make acne worse by interfering with their ability to multiply and spread.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Akamin is addictive.
How to Take Akamin
Take Akamin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage depends on whether you’re treating an infection or controlling acne.
Dosage Instructions
For treating infections: the usual dose is 200 mg to start with, followed by 100 mg every 12 hours. For controlling acne: the usual dose is 50 mg twice a day. Take during or immediately after a meal to reduce stomach upset. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water or milk while sitting or standing upright. Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking. People with kidney problems may require smaller doses.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular schedule. Take at the same time each day for best results.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, unsteadiness
- Headache
- Blurred vision, hearing loss
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Sore mouth or tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Oral thrush (white, furry tongue and mouth)
- Vaginal thrush
- Swelling and itching in anal and genital areas
- Heartburn due to esophagus irritation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent headache with nausea, vomiting, blurred vision or dizziness (benign intracranial hypertension)
- Severe diarrhea with blood and mucus, stomach pain and fever
- Severe upper stomach pains with nausea and vomiting
- Signs of frequent infections (fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers)
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Shortness of breath when exercising with tiredness, headaches, dizziness, pale appearance
- Swollen, stiff or painful joints
- Passing less urine than normal
- Signs of liver disease (feeling unwell, loss of appetite, yellowing of eyes or skin, fever, itching, dark urine)
- Skin rash, itching, redness, flaking or blistering
- Severe sunburn symptoms
- Convulsions or seizures
- Allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling, breathing difficulties)
Important Warnings
Akamin has several important warnings and contraindications that you should be aware of before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Akamin
Do not use if you are allergic to minocycline, other tetracycline antibiotics, or any ingredients. Do not use if taking vitamin A preparations or retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin, tretinoin). Do not use if you have systemic lupus erythematosus or severe kidney disease. Do not give to children 8 years and under unless directed by a doctor.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives, kidney or liver problems, or if you plan to have surgery including dental surgery. Akamin may cause permanent tooth staining and reduced bone growth in children.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Akamin if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. It may harm your developing baby, including tooth enamel loss and staining. High doses may cause liver problems in pregnant women. Akamin passes into breast milk and may affect your baby’s teeth.
Children’s Safety: May cause permanent tooth staining and enamel loss in developing teeth, and reduced bone growth in children 8 years and under.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with Akamin and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Timing Important: Take Akamin at least 2 hours before or after antacids and iron supplements to ensure proper absorption.
- Vitamin A preparations and supplements
- Retinoids (isotretinoin, acitretin, tretinoin)
- Blood thinners (warfarin)
- Penicillin antibiotics
- Diuretics (water tablets)
- Methoxyflurane anesthetic
- Birth control pills
- Antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium
- Iron supplements
Alcohol & Driving
Akamin may affect your ability to drive safely and can interact with alcohol to worsen certain side effects.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, dizziness or lightheadedness may be worse. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Akamin affects you. Akamin may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Storage
Store Akamin below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Keep tablets in the original container until time to take them. Protect from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Akamin, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, low blood pressure, and tiredness.
Frequently Asked Questions
For infections, your doctor will usually continue treatment for 24 to 48 hours after fever and signs of infection have gone. For acne control, Akamin is normally taken for a few months. Don’t stop taking it even if you feel better after a few days unless advised by your doctor.
Yes, you should take Akamin during or immediately after a meal. This helps reduce the chances of stomach upset. Swallow tablets with a full glass of water or milk while sitting or standing upright.
No, there is no evidence that Akamin is addictive.
Do not stop taking Akamin suddenly or change the dose without checking with your doctor. If you don’t complete the full course, all bacteria causing your infection may not be killed, and your infection may not clear completely or may return.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. If you drink alcohol while taking Akamin, dizziness or lightheadedness may be worse.
Yes, Akamin may cause your skin to be much more sensitive to sunlight than normal, which may cause skin rash, itching, redness, or severe sunburn. Protect your skin when in the sun, especially between 10 am and 3 pm, wear protective clothing, and use SPF 30+ sunscreen.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue normally. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.