Tetracycline/Lymecycline

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