Lymecycline
About lymecycline
Lymecycline is an antibiotic. It's used mainly for acne (spots).
Lymecycline is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules that you swallow.
Key facts
- For acne, it's usual to take lymecycline once a day.
- Common side effects are feeling sick, tummy pain, diarrhoea and headaches. But these tend to be mild and short lived.
- You can drink alcohol while taking lymecycline.
- Lymecycline is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- Lymecycline is not suitable for children under the age of 12 years. It can build up in growing teeth and permanently stain them.
- The brand name for lymecycline is Tetralysal 300.
Who can and can't take lymecycline
Lymecycline can be taken by adults and children over the age of 12 years.
Lymecycline isn't suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to lymecycline or any other medicine in the past
- have kidney problems
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have liver problems
- have an autoimmune disease called lupus
- have myasthenia gravis – a rare muscle-weakening disease
How and when to take it
For acne, it's usual to take 1 capsule of lymecycline once a day, usually in the morning. Each capsule contains 408mg of lymecycline.
When you take it for other infections, follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions.
How to take it
Swallow the capsule whole, along with a glassful of water.
Carry on taking this medicine until the course is completed, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, your problem could come back.
What if I forget to take it?
If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose as normal.
Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. And never take 2 doses at the same time.
If you forget doses often, you could set an alarm to remind you. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember your medicines.
What if I take too much?
Taking an extra dose of lymecycline by accident is unlikely to cause any harm.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if:
- you're worried
- you've taken more than 1 extra dose
Side effects
Like all medicines, lymecycline can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. Keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor if the side effects bother you or don't go away:
- feeling sick
- tummy pain
- diarrhoea
- headache
Serious side effects
Serious side effects are rare.
Stop taking lymecycline and tell a doctor straight away if you get:
- yellow skin or eyes (this can be a warning sign of liver problems)
- your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun
Serious allergic reaction
It's possible to have a serious allergic reaction to lymecycline.
A serious allergic reaction is an emergency. Contact a doctor straight away if you think you or someone around you is having a serious allergic reaction.
The warning signs of a serious allergic reaction are:
- getting a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- wheezing
- tightness in the chest or throat
- having trouble breathing or talking
- swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
These are not all the side effects of lymecycline. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.
You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.
How to cope with side effects
What to do about:
- feeling sick – try taking lymecycline with or after food to see if that helps ease feelings of sickness. It may also help if you avoid rich or spicy food while you're taking this medicine.
- tummy pain – try to rest and relax. Putting a hot water bottle on your tummy may help. If you are in a lot of pain, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
- diarrhoea – drink plenty of water or other fluids if you have diarrhoea. It may also help to take an oral rehydration drink to prevent dehydration. You can buy sachets of powder from a pharmacy which you mix with water. Don't take any other medicines to treat diarrhoea without speaking to a pharmacist or doctor.
- headaches – make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Don't drink too much alcohol. Everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, are safe to take with lymecycline.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Lymecycline is not normally recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor if there's another safer antibiotic that you can take.
Tell your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you're breastfeeding.
Cautions with other medicines
There are some medicines that don't mix well with lymecycline.
Tell your doctor if you're taking these medicines before starting lymecycline:
- supplements containing aluminium, bismuth, calcium, magnesium or zinc
- indigestion remedies (antacids)
- iron supplements
- quinapril, a medicine for high blood pressure or heart failure
- acne medicines containing vitamin A, such as isotretinoin
- a blood thinner, such as warfarin
- diuretic tablets that make you pee more, such as furosemide
- medicines for epilepsy, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine
Mixing lymecycline with herbal remedies and supplements
There are no known problems with taking herbal remedies and supplements with lymecycline.
For safety, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Common questions
How does lymecycline work?
Lymecycline is from a group of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics. These antibiotics kill bacteria by stopping them from making the proteins that they need to survive.
How long does it take to work?
Lymecycline works slowly against acne.
You should see some improvement within a week, but it can take several weeks before acne clears.
What if I don't get better?
Lymecycline works slowly against acne.
You should see some improvement within a week, but it can take several weeks before acne clears.
How does lymecycline compare with other antibiotics?
Lymecycline is usually only used to treat acne. Other antibiotics that can be used for acne include minocycline and oxytetracycline.
Not all antibiotics are suitable for every infection. Your doctor will choose an antibiotic that is suitable for the type of infection you have.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Will it affect my contraception?
Lymecycline doesn't stop contraceptive pills from working.
However, if lymecycline makes you vomit or have severe diarrhoea – and you continue to be sick or pass 6 to 8 watery stools over 24 hours – your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy. If this happens, follow the instructions in the leaflet that comes with your contraceptive pills.
Read more about what to do if you're on the pill and you're vomiting or have diarrhoea.
Will it give me thrush?
Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like lymecycline. Antibiotics kill the normal harmless bacteria that help to defend against thrush. Symptoms include redness and itching in the mouth. Women may get vaginal itching.
If this happens to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Will it affect my fertility?
Lymecycline won't affect your fertility. However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.
Does it stain teeth?
Lymecycline can build up in growing bone and teeth. This can stain teeth permanently.
It only happens when bones and teeth are developing. That's why lymecycline is not used in children under the age of 12 years, or in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Yes, lymecycline shouldn't affect you being able to drive or cycle.
Can I drink alcohol with it?
Yes, you can drink alcohol with lymecycline.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while taking lymecycline.
Can lifestyle changes help my acne?
There are some lifestyle changes which may help your acne:
- Try not to wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Too much washing can irritate your skin and make spots worse.
- Wash spotty skin with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.
- Never 'clean out' blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scars.
- Don't use too much make-up and cosmetics.
- Use water-based make-up and toiletries that are described as non-comedogenic. This means the product is less likely to block the pores in your skin.
- Remove make-up before going to bed.
- Use a fragrance-free, water-based moisturiser if dry skin is a problem.
- Shower as soon as possible after exercising, as sweat can irritate acne.
- Wash your hair regularly, and try to stop letting your hair fall across your face.
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