Minocycline Toxicity in Renal Failure

Minocycline, a new tetracycline analogue, was administered to nine patients in the recommended dosage and to five in reduced dosage. All 13 who had preexisting renal insufficiency developed an exacerbation of their uræmia. This correlated poorly with serum minocycline levels. This study indicates that the use of minocycline is contraindicated in renal insufficiency and is undesirable in patients whose renal function is not known, particularly if they are elderly.