3. Lymecycline

Lymecycline

  • Lymecycline is an antibiotic. It is important to take your doses regularly, and to finish the full course of treatment.
  • Do not take any indigestion remedies or any preparations containing iron or zinc at the same time of day as lymecycline.
  • Lymecycline should not be taken by children under 12 years of age, or during pregnancy, or by breast-feeding mums.
Type of medicine Tetracycline antibiotic
Used for Acne
Bacterial infections
Also called Tetralysal® 300
Available as Capsules

Lymecycline is used to treat acne and other infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

Before taking lymecycline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If the patient is under 12 years of age.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
  • If you suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (an inflammatory condition also called lupus or SLE).
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a condition causing tired and weak muscles).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take lymecycline exactly as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water.
  • If you are taking more than one dose a day, spread your doses out evenly throughout the day.
  • Try to take lymecycline at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
  • Do not take any indigestion remedies, iron or zinc preparations at the same time of day as lymecycline as they can stop it from working. Leave at least two hours before or after a dose of lymecycline before taking any such preparations.
  • Even if your condition has improved it is important to complete the prescribed course of lymecycline. If you stop taking this medicine too soon your infection is likely to return and could be more difficult to treat.
  • If you are using hormonal contraception (the 'pill'), the current advice (January 2011) is that additional contraceptive precautions such as condoms are not required during a course of this antibiotic unless you are sick or have diarrhoea. If you need further advice, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Lymecycline may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sun block product to prevent this, especially in strong sunlight.
  • This antibiotic may stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are having any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick, abdominal pain Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem, or if it is severe, speak with your pharmacist or doctor
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, or is severe, speak with your doctor

Important: if you develop any of the following, speak with your doctor straight away:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
  • Blurred vision.
  • A severe rash.
  • Bruising.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
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Further reading & references

  • British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Tetralysal® 300; Manufacturer's PIL, Tetralysal® 300, Galderma (U.K) Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2009.
Original Author: Helen Allen Current Version:
Last Checked: 20/04/2011 Document ID: 995  Version: 25 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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