Minocycline-induced scleral, dental, and dermal pigmentation

Am J Ophthalmol. 1998 Mar;125(3):396-7. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9394(99)80156-1.

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of scleral discoloration secondary to minocycline therapy.

Method: Case report of a patient referred to a university-based cornea and external disease clinic.

Results: The patient had been treated with oral minocycline therapy for adult facial acne for 12 years when she began to develop bilateral blue-gray discoloration of the sclera as well as of the teeth, hard palate, ears, nail beds, and skin.

Conclusions: Chronic systemic minocycline therapy may induce scleral pigmentary changes. The mechanism of discoloration and the long-term natural history upon cessation of minocycline are unclear.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy
  • Administration, Oral
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Face
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Minocycline / adverse effects*
  • Minocycline / therapeutic use
  • Nail Diseases / chemically induced
  • Pigmentation Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Scleral Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Skin Pigmentation / drug effects*
  • Tooth Discoloration / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Minocycline