This update in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) considers how trends in prescribing of minocycline have changed in the UK in recent years following safety concerns and evidence indicating lack of therapeutic advantage over other tetracyclines. The reviews examines efficacy and safety, costs, changes in prescribing advice, usage, and alternatives to minocycline.

Following reports of systemic lupus erythematous or autoimmune hepatitis, there has been a downward trend in use of minocycline, which has accelerated in recent years with the availability of other tetracyclines that appear as effective, safer and less expensive. The bulletin concludes that there is no place for minocycline in the management of patients with acne.