From the Guidelines
Minocycline can cause diarrhea as a side effect, although the provided evidence does not directly quantify this risk for minocycline, it does mention gastrointestinal disturbances, including diarrhea, as a side effect of doxycycline, a related antibiotic. The evidence from the study 1 discusses doxycycline rather than minocycline, but given that both are tetracycline antibiotics, it's reasonable to consider that minocycline could have similar gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea. Some key points to consider when taking minocycline include:
- Taking the medication with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects, as suggested for doxycycline in the study 1.
- Being aware of the potential for diarrhea and monitoring for severe symptoms such as bloody stools, fever, or severe abdominal pain, which could indicate a more serious condition like Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD).
- The study 1 highlights the importance of considering the side effect profile of antibiotics like doxycycline, which can inform the use of related medications like minocycline. Given the information available and the need to prioritize patient safety and quality of life, it is crucial to monitor for and manage any gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea, when prescribing minocycline.
From the FDA Drug Label
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, stomatitis, glossitis, dysphagia, enamel hypoplasia, enterocolitis, pseudomembranous colitis, pancreatitis, inflammatory lesions (with monilial overgrowth) in the oral and anogenital regions. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with use of nearly all antibacterial agents, including MINOCIN®, and may range in severity from mild diarrhea to fatal colitis.
Diarrhea is a reported side effect of minocycline, as listed under the gastrointestinal category of adverse reactions 2. Additionally, Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea (CDAD) has been reported with the use of minocycline, which can range from mild to fatal colitis 2.
- Key points:
- Diarrhea is a possible side effect of minocycline.
- CDAD has been reported with minocycline use.
- CDAD can range from mild to fatal colitis.
From the Research
Minocycline and Diarrhea
- Minocycline, a semi-synthetic derivative of tetracycline, has been associated with various adverse effects, including gastrointestinal issues 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Gastrointestinal adverse effects, such as diarrhea, have been reported in patients taking minocycline 3, 4, 5.
- A study published in 2005 found that gastrointestinal AEs were common with minocycline, although the exact incidence of diarrhea was not specified 3.
- Another study from 2000 reported gastrointestinal adverse effects, including diarrhea, as common side effects of minocycline in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 4.
- A 2010 study found that gastrointestinal difficulty, including loss of appetite, was a common side effect of minocycline in patients with fragile X syndrome, but did not specifically mention diarrhea 5.
- A review of minocycline's adverse reactions published in 2021 listed gastrointestinal symptoms as potential side effects, but did not provide detailed information on diarrhea 7.
- Overall, while the exact incidence of diarrhea as a side effect of minocycline is not well-documented, gastrointestinal issues are a known potential adverse effect of the medication 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.