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Minocycline

Prescription

Second-Generation Tetracycline

Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team

Species

Dog, Cat

Brands

2 available

Interactions

2 documented

Formulations

Mechanism of action

Binds 30S ribosomal subunit inhibiting protein synthesis. Most lipophilic tetracycline — excellent CNS and tissue penetration. Active against many doxycycline-resistant organisms. Also has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties independent of antimicrobial activity.

At a glance

Class

Second-Generation Tetracycline

Schedule

Prescription

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from light and moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Used for tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia), meningoencephal

Dose

5–12.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q12h

🐈

Cat

Used for tick-borne diseases, upper respiratory infections (Mycoplasma, Chlamydo

Dose

5–12.5 mg/kg

Route

Frequency

q12h

Educational reference only

This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Other — 3

Strength

—

Strength

—

Strength

—

Storage

Store at room temperature below 30°C, protect from light and moisture

Safety

Monitoring parameters

Vestibular signs (ataxia, head tilt)Hepatic enzymes with prolonged useClinical/culture response

Educational reference only

Interactions

Moderate — 2

Sucralfate

moderate

Sucralfate (aluminum) chelates tetracyclines in the GI tract, reducing minocycline absorption. However, minocycline is less affected than other tetracyclines due to high lipophilicity.

Management: Separate by 2 hours if possible. Minocycline absorption is less affected by food/antacids than other tetracyclines, but sucralfate still reduces it.

Phenobarbital

moderate

Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes, potentially increasing minocycline metabolism (minocycline is more hepatically metabolized than doxycycline).

Management: Monitor clinical response. May need higher minocycline dose.

Educational reference only

Brands

Other markets

Minocin

Dynacin

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Minocycline?

Minocycline is a second-generation tetracycline used in pets. Binds 30S ribosomal subunit inhibiting protein synthesis. Most lipophilic tetracycline — excellent CNS and tissue penetration. Active against many doxycycline-resistant organisms. Also has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties independent of antimicrobial activity.

›What is Minocycline used for in pets?

Minocycline is used in veterinary medicine for: Used for tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia), meningoencephal; Used for tick-borne diseases, upper respiratory infections (Mycoplasma, Chlamydo.

›What is the Minocycline dose for dogs?

For dogs, Minocycline is typically dosed as follows — Used for tick-borne diseases (Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Rickettsia), meningoencephal: 5–12.5 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›What is the Minocycline dose for cats?

For cats, Minocycline is typically dosed as follows — Used for tick-borne diseases, upper respiratory infections (Mycoplasma, Chlamydo: 5–12.5 mg/kg PO q12h. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.

›Does Minocycline need a prescription?

Yes. Minocycline is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.

Educational reference only

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Merck Veterinary Manual
NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database