MinocyclineDose, contraindications and adverse effects for Cats, Dogs and Horses.

Tetracycline-class bacteriostatic antibiotic with good tissue penetration, including into the CNS. Minocycline is a tetracycline-derived antibiotic used for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections, particularly when doxycycline is unavailable. It can be effective against some doxycycline-resistant staphylococci. Minocycline is not recommended for the treatment of bacterial cystitis or prostatitis,2 as it does not reach adequate concentrations in these sites. Minocycline may

Tetracyclines are time-dependent, bacteriostatic antibiotics. In susceptible organisms, tetracyclines inhibit bacterial protein synthesis by reversibly binding to the bacterial 30S ribosomal subunits, thus preventing aminoacyl tRNA attachment to the ribosome. Tetracy- clines also alter cytoplasmic membrane permeability in susceptible organisms.

Minocycline is contraindicated in patients that are hypersensitive to tetracyclines and should be used with caution in patients that are pregnant, nursing, or younger than 6 months due to the potential for enamel hypoplasia or permanent discoloration of the teeth. Minocycline is much less likely to cause dental abnormalities than other more water-soluble tetracyclines (eg, oxytetracycline, tetracycline).

The most commonly reported adverse effects of oral minocycline in dogs and cats are nausea and vomiting. To alleviate these effects, the drug could be given with food although this may impair drug absorption. Dental or bone staining can occur when minocycline exposure occurs in utero or early in life. More rarely, increases in hepatic enzymes and/or ototoxicity are possible.

■ Clinical efficacy: resolving signs of infection; culture and susceptibility testing if indicated ■ Adverse effects (eg, nausea, vomiting)