Vg 50

Description

Vg 50 Capsule (Minocycline)

Vg 50 Capsule contains Minocycline 50mg and is manufactured by Wyeth. It’s available in Nepal. Minocycline is also available in 10mg and 100mg capsule strengths under other brands.

What It’s Used For

Vg 50 Capsule is used to treat various bacterial infections, including:

• Acne
• Nongonococcal urethritis
• Uncomplicated gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Other susceptible infections

How to Use It

It’s best to take Minocycline with a full glass of water. For pellet-filled capsules, take them on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Other forms can be taken with or without food; taking them with meals might help reduce stomach upset.

Adult Dosing:

• Susceptible Infections: 200 mg daily in divided doses.
• Acne: 50 mg twice daily or 100 mg once daily. For individuals weighing more than 45 kg, a modified-release preparation might be 1 mg/kg once daily.
• Asymptomatic Meningococcal Carriers: 100 mg twice daily for 5 days, followed by a course of rifampicin.
• Nongonococcal Urethritis: 100 mg every 12 hours for at least 7 days.
• Uncomplicated Gonorrhea: Initially 200 mg, then 100 mg every 12 hours for a minimum of 4 days. Follow-up cultures are recommended 2-3 days after completing therapy.
• Uncomplicated Urethral Gonorrhea in Men: 100 mg every 12 hours for 5 days.
• Mycobacterium marinum Infections: 100 mg every 12 hours for 6-8 weeks.
• Syphilis: Initially 200 mg, then 100 mg every 12 hours for 10-15 days.

Child Dosing: Consult a doctor for appropriate dosing in children.

Kidney Problems: If you have kidney impairment, your doctor will reduce the dose or increase the time between doses. The maximum daily dose in this situation is 200 mg.

Important Considerations

• Do not use if you are allergic to minocycline or other tetracyclines.
• Avoid concurrent use with methoxyflurane, as it can lead to fatal kidney toxicity.
• Precautions:
  • Inform your doctor if you have a history of oral candidiasis, lupus (SLE), or myasthenia gravis.
  • Use with caution if you have liver or kidney impairment.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Minocycline enters breast milk. Some manufacturers advise against nursing, while others suggest it might be compatible due to the drug’s interaction with calcium. However, the long-term safety for infants from prolonged exposure is unknown. Discuss with your doctor.
  • This medication may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure, as it can cause photosensitivity.
  • Your doctor will monitor your liver function, kidney function, and blood counts. If treatment lasts longer than 6 months, expect monitoring every 3 months for liver toxicity, pigmentation, and signs of lupus.

Drug Interactions:

• Antacids (containing calcium, aluminum, bismuth, iron, magnesium, zinc) and other divalent/trivalent cations can impair minocycline absorption. Take minocycline separately.
• May decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives; consider using backup birth control.
• May interfere with the action of penicillins.
• May potentiate the effect of anticoagulants (blood thinners).
• Increased risk of kidney toxicity with diuretics.
• Increased risk of a serious condition called pseudotumor cerebri with retinoids (e.g., isotretinoin).
• Increased risk of ergotism with ergot alkaloids.

Side Effects:

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin discoloration (including teeth, gums, and tongue).

Potentially Serious Side Effects: These are rare but can include serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS), severe diarrhea (Clostridium difficile-associated disease), severe allergic reactions (hypersensitivity syndrome), and lupus-like or serum sickness-like syndromes.

Mechanism of Action: Minocycline works by stopping bacteria from making essential proteins, which inhibits their growth and reproduction. It’s effective against various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria meningitidis, and others.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge only and is not intended for diagnosis, medical advice, or treatment. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical judgment. Always consult a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.