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Overview: Arestin is an antibiotic used to reduce gum pockets in people who have a dental procedure called scaling and root planing for gum disease (periodontitis). Common side effects include headache, tooth pain, upset stomach, and mouth sores. Do not touch the treated areas or chew hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for one week after this medicine is applied to your gums.

Uses

What is Arestin used for?

Arestin (minocycline) is an antibiotic commonly used to reduce gum pockets in people who have a dental procedure called scaling and root planing for gum disease (periodontitis).

Arestin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Arestin work (mechanism of action)?

Periodontitis is gum infection caused by bacteria. Arestin is thought to help treat periodontitis by killing the bacteria causing the gum infection. By getting rid of the bacteria, inflammation and swelling goes down and the gum tissue can reattach to the teeth more easily. 

How is Arestin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Arestin

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1 mg powder in a unit-dose cartridge

Minocycline is also available in other forms. See Amzeeq, Minocycline, and Zilxi for more information.

How should I store Arestin?

Arestin is usually given by a healthcare provider in a clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Arestin?

The most common side effects of Arestin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
  • Tooth pain
  • Mouth sore

There may be other side effects of Arestin 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 Arestin?

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

Permanent Teeth Discoloration. Arestin can cause a permanent change in tooth color to yellow, gray, or brown. It may also affect growth of tooth enamel (also called enamel hypoplasia). These side effects can happen during tooth development in the last half of pregnancy and in children up to age 8 years. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If your child is using Arestin and is less than 8 years old, call your healthcare provider right away.

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 using Arestin. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover your skin if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen.

Severe Skin Reactions. Arestin can cause severe skin reactions called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and erythema multiforme that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat or raised red, pink, or purple rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes

Immune System Reactions. Arestin can cause inflammation of your liver, blood vessels, or lymph vessels and cause symptoms that look like a condition called lupus. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms.

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

Another Infection. Using Arestin may lead to an infection with other types of germs, such as fungi. Call your healthcare provider if your infection does not improve or gets worse. 

Severe Allergic Reactions. Arestin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Arestin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Arestin.

  • Arestin
  • Minocycline
  • Any other medicine known as a tetracycline
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Arestin.

What should I know about Arestin before using it?

Arestin is usually given by a healthcare provider in a clinic, usually alongside a dental cleaning. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many treatments you need and how often you will receive them. Keep all of your scheduled appointments. 

Try not to touch the treated areas. Do not use floss or special cleaning tools between the treated teeth for ten days. 

It is normal to feel some mild to moderate tooth sensitivity during the first week after treatment. If you have pain, swelling, or other issues, let your dentist know right away. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Arestin?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Arestin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Diabetes
  • HIV or AIDS
  • Receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Weakened immune system
  • History of thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth

Pregnancy. Arestin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Breastfeeding. Arestin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop Arestin.

How can I get more information about Arestin?

For more information about Arestin, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.arestin.com or call them at 866-273-7846.

Interactions

Does Arestin interact with foods or drinks?

After getting treatment with Arestin, do not chew hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for one week. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Arestin.

Does Arestin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Arestin and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Arestin?

If you or someone else has used too much Arestin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Arestin?

Arestin is usually given by an oral healthcare provider in a clinic. Your oral healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Arestin as scheduled. If you miss a scheduled appointment for dental cleaning and Arestin treatment, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. 

It is important to complete your prescribed course of Arestin, even if your symptoms get better or go away. This will reduce the risk that future infections are resistant to Arestin or other similar medicines.