Question- Treatment with the drug minocycline has been reported to cause blue-grey pigmentation of skin, sclera, fingernails, teeth, gums, and scar tissue. What is the proposed mechanism for this abnormal pigmentation?
Answer- The cited article notes “A proposed mechanism for this pigmentation is that metabolites of minocycline form insoluble complexes with melanin or iron that can deposit in body tissues, particularly in tissues exposed to light.” (Arshad J and Sayegh R. Scleral discoloration from minocycline treatment. 2018 NEJM 378(16):1537)
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