In 2017, the FDA approved the extended release formulation of minocycline, known as Minolira, for the treatment of severe acne vulgaris. The modified release formulation of doxycycline known as Oracea, was approved for the treatment of rosacea in 2006. As minocycline and doxycycline are related tetracyclines, Minolira may offer rosacea sufferers another rosacea treatment option, albeit officially only through an off-label capability.
What is Minolira?
Minolira is an extended release tablet formulation of Minocycline, designed to release 25% of the dosage immediately and 75% in a sustained release timeframe.
Minolira is prescribed in a weight dependent dosage. The tablets are available in two sizes – 105mg and 135mg. If required, you can split the tablet into two pieces, instead taking a half-tablet each day. Thus Minolira can be prescribed in 4 different quantities, to match your weight, to keep the dose low enough to reduce side effects. The makers of Minolira claim that this `2 different scored tablets method’ will cater for weights from 99 to 299 pounds.
The aim of the split tablet method is to easily allow a treatment of close to a 1 mg/kg effective dose.
Minolira Tablet Splitting
Minolira has been designed in a unique way. You can split the tablet into 2 pieces if needed, based on your weight.
Minolira Dosing
| Tablet Size | Half or Full Tablet | Effective Daily Dose | Weight Range lbs | Weight Range kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105 mg | 1/2 | 52.5 mg | 99-130 lbs | 45-59 kg |
| 135 mg | 1/2 | 67.5 mg | 132-196 lbs | 60-89 kg |
| 105 mg | full | 105 mg | 198-275 lbs | 90-125 kg |
| 135 mg | full | 135 mg | 277-299 lbs | 126-135 kg |
Minocycline vs. Doxycycline
Rosacea suffers are likely more familiar with doxycycline as a systemic treat for rosacea. The research and development and subsequent publicity around Oracea as an official FDA approved front line treatment for rosacea has resulted in doxycycline becoming a well known go to treatment. In some ways 100mg a day of minocycline can be superior to Oracea.
Minocycline is also available as a slow release formulation called Solodyn and is available via a variety of brands such as Minocin, Akamin and Dynacin. Solodyn is available in a long list of strengths: 45, 55, 65, 80, 90, 105, 115 and 135 mg of a mixture of immediate and delayed release minocycline. Note that there has been a class action brought against Medicis, Impax, Lupin and Sandoz related to the pricing of Solodyn and generic formulations.
Minolira is owned by EPI Health, who also make Rhofade. EPI Health acquired the rights to Rhofade from Aclaris Therapeutics in 2019.
Minolira and Rosacea
Minocycline has been prescribed for many years to treat rosacea. Minolira may offer a useful option for rosacea sufferers via its extended release formulation – avoiding the peak blood serum feature of full dose minocycline. Time will tell whether the “slow and low” systemic concentration enjoyed by those being treated with Oracea, will enjoy similar benefits from Minolira.
The most common adverse reactions (≥ 5%) with Minolira use were headache, fatigue, dizziness,
and pruritus (itching).
How much does Minolira Cost?
Little is known yet about the typical cost of filling a Minolira prescription.
What about topical Minocycline?
The recently approved 1.5% Topical Minocycline Foam for the treatment of the papules and pustules of rosacea is known as Zilxi.
The topical use of minocycline was associated with less adverse events than systemic treatment with minocycline.
See Also: Minolira Web Site
Comment via email from Roberta.
“I was on Minocycline for many years….I cannot say if it helped or not. The side effect rarely mentioned is it turns bones (less important) and cartilage (more important) blue. Blue ears are simply not funny and it is 5 or more years later and still saying „not my drug.“ I only wish for a cure without blue ears. “