Oral presentation of minocycline-induced black bone disease

Minocycline hydrochloride is a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative used widely for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Among its side effects is the ability to pigment many tissues particularly thyroid, skin, tooth, and bone. A case is presented in which long-term minocycline therapy (500 g taken orally over 11 years) resulted in dark bone pigmentation (black bone disease) severe enough to be visible through the alveolar and palatal mucosa. No skin or tooth pigmentation was present.