Drug-induced pigmentation caused by minocycline may affect the skin, mucosal surfaces, teeth, tongue, sclera, bone, heart, thyroid, and other locations. Minocycline is a tetracycline-derived antibiotic with various uses, most notably as a second-line treatment for acne vulgaris. Hyperpigmentation may follow ingestion of 100-200 mg/day for 1-3 years, and incidence rates vary from 2.4%-14.8%. However, some studies have demonstrated the development of hyperpigmentation following small doses and short courses of minocycline.
The incidence seems highest in patients with conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, rheumatoid arthritis, pemphigoid, and pemphigus.
Four types of hyperpigmentation have been described: types I–IV. Each type varies in distribution and histology. (For type details, refer to Look For section.)
Pediatric Patient Considerations:
Children aged younger than 9 years should not be on medications from the tetracycline family of antibiotics.
Minocycline drug-induced pigmentation in Adult
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Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
T50.995A – Adverse effect of other drugs, medicaments and biological substances, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
110284009 – Drug-induced pigmentation
T50.995A – Adverse effect of other drugs, medicaments and biological substances, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
110284009 – Drug-induced pigmentation
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Last Updated:02/19/2018
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Minocycline drug-induced pigmentation in Adult
