Korean J Dermatol.  2005 Sep;43(9):1272-1276.

Four Cases of Minocycline-Induced Hyperpigmentation of the Tongue

• Jang YH
• Lee ES

Abstract

Minocycline is a semi-synthetic, broad-spectrum, antimicrobial agent that was first introduced into clinical practice in 1967. Its primary indication is for the treatment of acne vulgaris, where its success has been attributed to a combination of its bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory activities. There has been recent interest in minocycline use in the treatment of various other chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases such as Behcet's disease and recurrent apthous ulceration. A well-recognized side effect of minocycline treatment is pigmentation, which has been reported in multiple tissues including skin, nail beds, sclera, bone, the thyroid, and teeth. However, pigmentation of the tongue caused by minocycline is very rare. We report four cases of actual pigmented lesions on the tongue and finger nails due to minocycline therapy, followed by a discussion of minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation.

Keyword

Multiple plexiform schwannoma; Sensorineural hearing loss

MeSH Terms

Acne Vulgaris
Fingers
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural
Hyperpigmentation*
Minocycline
Pigmentation
Sclera
Skin
Thiram
Thyroid Gland
Tongue*
Tooth
Ulcer
Minocycline
Thiram