Introduction

Pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension, is characterized by elevated intracranial pressure in the absence of identifiable structural abnormalities. Clinical manifestations include headache, papilledema, visual disturbances, and pulsatile tinnitus. Although the condition most commonly affects young, overweight women, it may also occur in other demographic groups. Minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic frequently used in dermatological practice, has been infrequently associated with pseudotumor cerebri.

Objective

This review aims to evaluate the association between minocycline use and pseudotumor cerebri, with particular emphasis on its neurological implications in dermatological practice.

Material and methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. MeSH terms and relevant keywords related to minocycline and pseudotumor cerebri were applied. Studies reporting neurological adverse effects associated with minocycline were included, while irrelevant and duplicate records were excluded.

Results

The review identified multiple case reports linking minocycline use to pseudotumor cerebri. Clinical presentations ranged from mild symptoms to severe complications, including papilledema and visual impairment. The time to symptom onset varied, with some cases occurring shortly after treatment initiation and others developing after prolonged exposure. In most cases, symptoms improved following discontinuation of minocycline; however, persistent neurological deficits were reported in a subset of patients.

Conclusions

The association between minocycline use and pseudotumor cerebri underscores the importance of clinical vigilance in dermatological practice. Careful monitoring for symptoms of increased intracranial pressure is warranted, and alternative therapeutic options should be considered when appropriate. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying minocycline-associated pseudotumor cerebri and to inform evidence-based clinical guidelines.