Zilxi (minocycline) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of Zilxi?

The most common side effect of Zilxi is diarrhea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Zilxi that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zilxi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zilxi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zilxi may cause allergic reactions, including a specific type of allergic reaction called DRESS. DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. It is also sometimes called multi-organ hypersensitivity. This is a reaction that can affect multiple parts of the body including your liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking the medicine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, or throat tightness
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain
• Dark-colored pee
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including minocycline taken by mouth This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

• Watery diarrhea
• Diarrhea that does not go away
• Blood in your stool (poop)
• Severe stomach cramps
• Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking minocycline by mouth. Stop using Zilxi and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach or belly pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Itching
• Loss of appetite
• Light-colored poop
• Dark-colored urine (pee)
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Dizziness. Minocycline taken by mouth can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or off balance. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Zilxi affects you.

Increased Pressure Around the Brain. Minocycline taken by mouth can increase the pressure around the brain, a serious condition called intracranial hypertension (or increased intracranial pressure). Stop using Zilxi and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headache
• Vision changes

Immune System Reactions. Minocycline taken by mouth can cause inflammation of your liver, blood vessels, or lymph vessels and cause symptoms that look like a condition called lupus. Stop using Zilxi and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms.

• Rash
• Joint pain
• Fever
• Weakness or unusual tiredness

Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking certain drugs, including minocycline taken by mouth. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposing your skin to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Darkening of Skin or Other Body Parts (Hyperpigmentation). Minocycline taken by mouth can cause darkening of various areas of your body, including skin, nails, bones, eyes, and the inside of your mouth (including teeth). Tell your health care provider if you notice darkening of any part of your body.

Infection. Using Zilxi may lead to an infection with certain types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your rosacea does not improve or gets worse, or if you experience symptoms such as fever or skin inflammation.