Minocycline induced skin pigmentation

Skin pigmentation as a complication of minocycline therapy is familiar to dermatologists but is less well recognized in general practice where the treatment is widely prescribed. Although the British national fornulary states that high doses of minocycline are associated with hyperpigmentation of acne lesions,' this specific side effect is not included in the minocycine data sheet or the Monthly index of medical specialities (MIMS).2 In a six month period two patients have been referred to our department of dermatology for assessment of facial pigmentation. Both patients told their general practitioners that they felt the minocycline had caused the pigmentation but this was refuted.