Clinical Significance of Brand Versus Generic Formulations: Focus on Oral Minocycline

Minocycline is an oral antibiotic widely prescribed throughout the world, primarily for the treatment of acne vulgaris; other uses include the treatment of rosacea and perioral dermatitis. In the United States, Propionibacterium acnes resistance is lowest with minocycline compared with other tetracyclines and with erythromycin. The availability of generic formulations of minocycline has created confusion regarding the clinical significance of brand versus generic minocycline products. This article reviews available data on minocycline use for acne vulgaris and discusses a patented brand of minocycline versus generic formulations, including evaluations of pharmacologic activity and safety.