Minocycline, an antibiotic in the tetracycline family, principally treats acne and skin infections as well as a variety of sexually transmitted diseases. In addition minocycline may be useful in a wide spectrum of other disorders ranging from urinary tract infections to upper and lower respiratory infections and even Lyme Disease.

Minocycline assists in improving moderate to severe inflammatory acne but it hardly represents a cure. More expensive extended release preparations including Solodyn fail to deliver an improved outcome versus less costly generic immediate release forms.

Compared to generic minocycline at a monthly cost of less than $30, Solodyn’s retail price at the CVS pharmacy exceeds $1300. Drug company chicanery with copay cards may shift the entire financial burden to the insurance company. This falsely portrays to consumers the cost for Solodyn may be less than a generic preparation. In the end, only the pharmaceutical company profits while ensuring an increase of next year’s insurance premiums.

With relative overuse during the past several decades, bacteria have become increasingly resistant to the drug which limits it usefulness. Amazingly many strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus more commonly known as MRSA remain susceptible to minocycline.

Minocycline may offer anti-inflammatory properties and other actions in addition to its traditional antibacterial effects. Some investigations suggest a role in treating rheumatoid arthritis and reducing the effects of traumatic brain injury, diabetic neuropathy and multiple sclerosis. These studies remain to be confirmed, and use of minocycline must be considered experimental in these conditions.