Zilxi: Cost, dosage, side effects, uses, interactions, and more

Zilxi is a brand-name topical foam prescribed to treat inflammatory lesions caused by rosacea. It contains the active ingredient minocycline and belongs to the tetracycline drug class.

Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zilxi to treat inflammatory lesions (pimples and bumps) of rosacea. The drug is prescribed for use in adults.

Zilxi is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

As with all medications, the cost of Zilxi can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Zilxi or help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. A Zilxi Savings Card is available for people who have insurance. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 888-786-5876 or visit the program website.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to follow the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

It’s available in one strength of 1.5%. This means each gram (g) of Zilxi contains 15 milligrams (mg) of minocycline, the active ingredient.

To treat rosacea, a thin layer of Zilxi is applied over all areas of the face once per day. You’ll typically need a small amount of foam, such as a cherry-sized amount. But if this amount doesn’t cover your entire face, you can use more foam as needed.

Before applying a dose of Zilxi, be sure to shake the can well. Then, dispense the foam onto your fingertips and apply it all over your face. There may be a temporary yellow tint after applying the drug. After waiting at least an hour, you can wash this tint off with soap and water.

Make sure to wash your hands after applying Zilxi, as the drug can stain fabric.

Also, it’s important to note that the propellant in Zilxi is flammable. Be sure to avoid fire, flames, and smoking while you apply the drug and right after.

Zilxi should not be used in the mouth, eyes, or vagina.

Do not use more Zilxi than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Zilxi can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Zilxi. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Zilxi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while using Zilxi and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Here is a partial list of mild side effects of Zilxi. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or view Zilxi’s prescribing information.

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects from Zilxi aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency phone number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

For some people, Zilxi can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Zilxi. However, serious allergic reactions were reported with the oral form of minocycline (the active ingredient of Zilxi).

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious. If you have any of the following symptoms, stop using Zilxi and seek emergency medical help right away:

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening.

If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Zilxi, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Zilxi.

Zilxi is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acne or perioral dermatitis. Acne is a skin condition where dead skin cells and oil block hair follicles, leading to inflammation. With perioral dermatitis, you have a rash around your mouth due to inflammation.

If you have questions about Zilxi and acne or perioral dermatitis, talk with your doctor.

Zilxi and Amzeeq are both topical foams that contain the same active ingredient, minocycline. They’re used to treat inflammatory lesions (pimples and bumps), but for different conditions. Zilxi is used for lesions caused by rosacea, while Amzeeq is used for lesions caused by acne.

Both drugs are applied once daily. However, while Zilxi is applied to the entire face, Amzeeq is applied to only the areas affected by acne. Amzeeq also comes in a higher strength of 4%, while Zilxi only comes in a 1.5% strength.

Some side effects of Zilxi and Amzeeq are similar because they are applied to the skin. These include skin discoloration, skin darkening, dryness, itching, and skin peeling. Amzeeq can also cause headache, which Zilxi isn’t known to cause. (For more details about Zilxi’s side effects, see the “Zilxi side effects” section.)

If you have questions about which drug is right for you, talk with your doctor. They can explain additional differences and similarities between the drugs.

The following is information about the approved use of Zilxi.

Rosacea is a chronic (long-term) skin condition that often causes pimples and bumps on the face. These are also called inflammatory lesions.

Zilxi is not approved for use in children. The safety and effectiveness of the drug in children have not been studied.

Zilxi can interact with several other medications and a lab test.

Before using Zilxi, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Here is a list of medications, supplements, and foods that can interact with Zilxi. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Zilxi. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Alcohol is not known to interact with Zilxi. It’s likely safe to consume alcohol while using Zilxi. If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while using Zilxi, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Zilxi, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In general, Zilxi is considered safe to use during pregnancy. However, you and your doctor can discuss your specific situation.

It’s important to note that taking oral tetracycline medications during pregnancy may cause serious side effects on the growth of the bones and teeth of a developing fetus. Zilki is a tetracycline drug, but it’s used topically on your skin. And it isn’t known whether it causes fetal harm.

Zilxi should not be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication. Your doctor may suggest a different treatment for your condition or recommend other ways to feed a child who is breastfed.

Before using Zilxi, discuss your health history with your doctor. Zilxi may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Zilxi, see the “Zilxi side effects” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.