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Are Dark Spots In Tongue And Lips Side Effects Of Minocycline?
I have been taking Minocycline for about 3 months now. I was taking 100 mg 1x per day and for the last 3 weeks I ve been taking it 2x per day. I noticed dark spots on my tongue and lips, my entire face has gotten darker and I have deep dark circles under my eyes. I m Indian and have a lot of pigmentation to begin with. I ve stopped this medication but is there any way to get rid of the damage it s done? Will it fade overtime or do I need to take drastic measures? I use to have a glowing face and now I look absolutely exhausted all the time like I m rotting. It s ridiculous how easily doctors prescribe this with NO warning.
Mon, 28 Dec 2020
Hi,
Minocycline induced hyperpigmentation is a well documented dose dependent side effects of this second generation tetracycline antibiotic used in treatment for acnes and pimples, with incidence ranging between 3% and 15%. Minocycline turns black when oxidized, lead to discoloration of the skin, nails, bulbar conjunctiva, oral mucosal, teeth, lips and sclera. Hyper-pigmentation will be reported after long term Minocycline therapy with at least 100 mg/day dosage.
Consisting of blue black macules in the area of scaring or inflammation are mostly described with facial acne scars. It is likely caused by the deposition in the scars of pigmented granules, thought to be iron chelates of Minocycline. The Minocycline induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation may take months to years to fade after Minocycline use it discontinued and laser therapy can be used to improve the discoloration.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
Minocycline induced hyperpigmentation is a well documented dose dependent side effects of this second generation tetracycline antibiotic used in treatment for acnes and pimples, with incidence ranging between 3% and 15%. Minocycline turns black when oxidized, lead to discoloration of the skin, nails, bulbar conjunctiva, oral mucosal, teeth, lips and sclera. Hyper-pigmentation will be reported after long term Minocycline therapy with at least 100 mg/day dosage.
Consisting of blue black macules in the area of scaring or inflammation are mostly described with facial acne scars. It is likely caused by the deposition in the scars of pigmented granules, thought to be iron chelates of Minocycline. The Minocycline induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation may take months to years to fade after Minocycline use it discontinued and laser therapy can be used to improve the discoloration.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
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