minocycline-induced skin and tissue pigmentation
Last reviewed 01/2018
- minocycline causes skin pigmentation in 4-15% of patients (1)
- minocycline can cause grey, blue-black or brown skin pigmentation
- skin and tissue pigmentation is most likely to occur if minocycline is
used for a long duration or at high dosage
- patients should be warned of this possible long term side effect; they
should be told to stop taking the drug at the first sign of pigmentation
- in general, the pigmentation resolves over months or years. However in some cases the pigmentation can persist
Reference:
- Prescribers' Journal (1998), 38(1), 47-9.