Minocycline

Minocycline In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• By binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome, protein synthesis is inhibited in bacteria.
• Minocycline is the tetracycline with the highest lipid solubility and the broadest spectrum of antibacterial, antirickettsial, antimycoplasmal, and antichlamydial activity.
• Due to its superior lipid solubility, its clinical efficacy is typically greater than that of other tetracyclines.

Uses of Minocycline

• Treatment of bacterial, rickettsial, mycoplasmal and chlamydial diseases.
• Being extremely lipid-soluble, it penetrates well into prostatic fluid and bronchial secretions.
• Use with care in animals with hepatic disease.
• If oral dosing in cats, avoid dry pilling as for doxycycline and follow with a water bolus to reduce the risk of oesophageal erosions.

Dose of Minocycline in Dogs and Cats

Dogs, Cats:

• 5–10 mg/kg p.o. q12h.

Side Effects of Minocycline in Dogs and Cats

• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
• In common with other tetracyclines may cause bone and tooth abnormalities if
  used in developing animals.

Contraindications of Minocycline in Dogs and Cats

• No specific information is available.
• Should not be used in pregnancy or young animals.

Some Notes:

• Its rate of excretion is not affected by renal function as it is cleared by hepatic metabolism and is therefore recommended when tetracyclines are indicated in animals with renal impairment.
• Recommended doses for veterinary species have not been clearly defined and recommendations are made on anecdote and a small number of studies.
• Absorption of minocycline is reduced by antacids, calcium, magnesium and iron salts and sucralfate.
• Phenobarbital and phenytoin may increase its metabolism, decreasing plasma levels.