Drug‐induced hperpigemntation: a systematic review

Abstract

There is little evidence for drug-induced hyperpigmentation. A causal relationship appears liklely only for a limited number of drugs.

Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation

“…The most common, type I, consists of blue–black macules in the area of scarring or inflammation, most commonly described with facial acne scars. It is likely caused by the deposition in the scars of pigmented granules, thought to be iron chelates of minocycline (3). Type II is described as blue–grey pigmentation on the shins and forearms with previously normal skin, and has been linked to deposition of pigmented metabolites of minocycline (3).…”

“…It is likely caused by the deposition in the scars of pigmented granules, thought to be iron chelates of minocycline (3). Type II is described as blue–grey pigmentation on the shins and forearms with previously normal skin, and has been linked to deposition of pigmented metabolites of minocycline (3). Type III (also called dirty skin syndrome) is the least common type, consisting of muddy brown discoloration in sun-exposed areas, typically the face.…”

“…Type III (also called dirty skin syndrome) is the least common type, consisting of muddy brown discoloration in sun-exposed areas, typically the face. This type is linked to elevated levels of melanin in epidermal and dermal macrophages (2, 3). Type IV has the same etiology as type III, but only occurs in pre-existing scars, and is not limited to sun-exposed areas (3).…”

DOMINO, doxycycline 40 mg vs. minocycline 100 mg in the treatment of rosacea: a randomized, single-blinded, noninferiority trial, comparing efficacy and safety

“…Adverse reactions and interactions with other drugs are therefore not exactly the same . Minocycline‐induced hyperpigmentation (MIH) of various body sites, most notably the skin, is a well‐known adverse effect, and it typically occurs after large cumulative dosage (more than 70 g) . Mostly, antibiotic treatment for rosacea takes 3–4 months.…”

Minocycline-induced Hyperpigmentation

“…1 Medications commonly cited as causing hyperpigmentation include prostaglandins, minocycline, phenothiazine, nicotine, and antimalarial drugs. 2 MIH typically occurs in a dose-dependent fashion after large cumulative doses of 70-100 g, but may appear within weeks of starting the medication. 3 In one study, 17 % of patients taking minocycline developed hyperpigmentation.…”