Medication Explained


Disclaimer:

This website is intended to assist with patient education and should not be used as a diagnostic, treatment or prescription service, forum or platform. Always consult your own healthcare practitioner for a more personalised and detailed opinion


Lymecycline/Tetracycline

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

 

Popular brand names:

Tetralysal

Drug group:

Tetracycline antibiotic

Prescription needed?

Yes

 

What does it do?

Lymecycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat:

  • Acne
  • Other infections due to mycoplasma, chlamydia and rickettsia

 

How should it be used?

  • Food and milk products should be avoided for 1 hour before and 2 hours after doses
  • To prevent the medication from sticking in your throat, drink a small amount of water before and a full glass of water after each dose
  • Take doses while sitting or standing and do not lie down immediately afterwards

 

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

  • Acne: 300mg twice daily, max 3g daily for adults
  • Other infections: 916–1,032mg daily



How quickly will it start to work?

4–12 hours, noticeable improvement in acne in up to 4 weeks.

How long will the effects last?

Up to 6 hours     
                     

When should I stop using it?

Complete the course as prescribed.        
          
 

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No problems expected.                                               

 

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

  • More common: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
  • Less common: swallowing difficulties and/or oesophageal irritation
  • Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash (sometimes light-sensitive), itching, jaundice, headache, visual disturbances

 

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

  • Certain health problems: liver/kidney problems, previous allergic reaction to tetracycline antibiotics, myasthenia gravis, acute porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Other medicines: Iron, oral anticoagulants, retinoids, diuretics, oral contraceptives, antacids, methotrexate
  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not prescribed, may cause birth defects and may damage the developing bones and damage/discolour baby’s teeth
  • Children: Not recommended <12 years, reduced dose in older children
  • Over 60: No special problems
  • Driving and hazardous work: No known problems
  • Alcohol: No known problems