Antimicrobials
Minocycline

Minocycline

Spectrum of Activity

General Information

8.8 mg/kg PO q24h

5-12.5 mg/kg PO q12h

5-10 mg/kg PO q12-24h

CLSI breakpoint for Staphylococcus based on 5 mg/kg PO fasted q12h

Capsule

  • 100 mg (special order)
  • Typically used when doxycycline is unavailable but doxycycline-resistant/minocycline susceptible bacteria (esp Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) can be encountered
  • Minocycline can be a useful option for multidrug resistant S. pseudintermedius but specific testing for minocycline susceptibility is needed

Not a good choice of treatment for cystitis because of limited urinary excretion.

  • Bacteriostatic, time dependent
  • Highly lipid soluble; distributed widely
    • Therapeutic levels found in CSF, prostate, saliva, and eyes
  • Extensively metabolized in the liver
  • Excreted in urine and feces as inactive metabolites
  • Esophageal stricture
    • Doxycycline recommendations for administration should be used for minocycline in cats to reduce this risk
  • GI upset
  • Urticaria, shivering, hypotension, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmias associated with IV injection in dogs
  • May impede bactericidal activity of penicillins, cephalosporins and aminoglycosides
  • Concurrent use with digoxin may cause toxicity

No licensed veterinary products in Canada.

Can be used in patients with moderate renal insufficiency.

Synergistic activity with rifampin against R. equi in foals may occur.

  • Do not dry pill
  • IV administration should be performed slowly

Plumb DC. Minocycline. Plumb’s Veterinary Drugs. Updated June 2019.