Welcome to LymeNet!

I think the reason you have gotten conflicting opinions on this one is because we are all so individual when it comes to how we tolerate meds.

I do agree that Mino should be taken without food, but many have problems with stomach upset with the Tetracycline family...therefore, some food on the tummy is helpful to alleviate the nausea.

If you can handle it though, follow the recommendations on the instruction sheet, and go without food, OK?

Generally, it is also advised to avoid all dairy with this family of meds, as they may interfere with efficacy. This includes ant-acids too.

Below is more info from DrugDigest.

My best,
Melanie
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,455|Minocycline%2BOral,00.html

What are minocycline tablets or capsules? (Back to top)
MINOCYCLINE (Minocin�) is a tetracycline-type antibiotic. Minocycline kills certain bacteria that cause infection, or stops their growth. It treats many kinds of infections of the skin, bone, stomach, respiratory tract, sinuses, ear, and urinary tract. It also treats certain sexually transmitted diseases. Generic minocycline tablets and capsules are available.

What should my health care professional know before I take minocycline? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
*kidney disease
*liver disease
*long exposure to sunlight (working outdoors)
*an unusual or allergic reaction to minocycline, other tetracyclines
*pregnant or trying to get pregnant
*breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine? (Back to top)
Take minocycline tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with a full glass of water; take tablets or capsules in an upright or sitting position. Taking a sip of water first, before taking the tablets or capsules, may help you swallow them. If possible take bedtime doses at least 10 minutes before lying down. It is best to take minocycline without food, but if it upsets your stomach take it with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed

Alot of the info on absorbtion, calcium, etc in prescribing info is just taken word for word from the info for the original Tetracycline, and does not acknowledge that both Doxycycline and Minocycline some unique differences.

My understandiong from something I read somewhere... (is that vague enough?)... is that Doxy and Mino are not as much affected by food as Tetracycline.

It would be worth a little research... I was wondering some of the same things now that I am on Mino for awhile myself.