Lymecycline

Lymecycline is a prescription only antibiotic suitable for treating medium and severe cases of acne. It belongs to a group of antibiotics known as tetracycline antibiotics and specifically targets bacteria which cause the inflammation typical for acne. By killing these bacteria called propionibacterium acnes, Lymecycline allows lesions to heal and prevents new inflamed whiteheads from forming.

Tetrahysal is a branded medication from the pharmaceutical manufacturer Galderma. Tetrahysal contains the active ingredient Lymecycline and therefore works exactly in the same way. Whether you are taking Lymecycline or tetrahysal, the same instructions apply and both are equally effective in treating acne.

Lymecycline effectively prevents bacteria from spreading. It destroys the bacteria’s ability to produce proteins essential to their survival. As a result, the bacteria are unable to reproduce and grow, giving your immune system a chance to fend them off. Although some bacteria have developed a resistance to Lymecycline, it is still an effective antibiotic for acne. As a broad spectrum antibiotic, it is also used to treat a range of other conditions. It is available under various brand names, including tetralysal.

There are advantages and disadvantages to taking antibiotics in order to reduce the inflammation typical for acne. The advantage is that you do not need to apply the treatment to your skin. As your skin is already irritated, you may prefer taking tablets to using a topical cream, which can cause further discomfort. On the other hand, taking an oral antibiotic means your whole body is affected, not just the inflamed skin. Usually, Lymecycline is given to patients with severe acne or when other treatments have proven unsuccessful. Some people develop side effects while taking antibiotics. If you experience severe side effects, then the disadvantages may outweigh the advantages in your case. Usually, however, patients respond well to taking Lymecycline.

If you have severe lesions and spots, you might benefit from combining Lymecycline with a cream. As one treatment works from the inside and the other from the outside, it is possible to combine the two.

Although the effectiveness of Lymecycline can be affected by milk and milk products, this is only the case if you consume large quantities. If you want to make sure you do not diminish the effectiveness please allow some time between taking your tablet and consuming large amounts of milk, cheese or yogurt.

No. Lymecycline is not to be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Exposure to Lymecycline can affect your baby’s development, especially with regards to its teeth. You should also abstain from taking it when planning to become pregnant. Lymecycline is not suitable for children under the age of 12 or patients who have previously developed and allergic reaction to an antibiotic of the tetracycline group.

During your course of Lymecycline you may experience an increased sensitivity to sunlight. This is a side effect of the medication. You can continue taking the antibiotic but you must avoid direct sunlight as well as certain artificial light sources, for example in tanning salons. Please note, that like most other antibiotics, Lymecycline reduces the effectivity of oral contraceptives. If you normally rely on an anti baby pill, you need to use an additional type of contraceptive such as a condom or contraceptive diaphragm for the duration of your treatment with Lymecycline.

If Lymecycline is taken as an acne medication, it is necessary to follow a course of at least 8 weeks. Acne tends to respond slowly to oral antibiotics but usually shows good results within this time frame. Once you have started treatment you should continue taking your tablets for as long as your doctor advised you to. The antibiotic will not work if it is not taken consistently and bacteria can develop a resistance if you discontinue the course prematurely. If you experience severe side effects, however, you may need to terminate the treatment immediately. Please consult a doctor if you experience visual disturbances or suffer an allergic reaction.

As Lymecycline is an antibiotic, you are strongly advised to take it regularly and as you have been advised. If you forget to take a tablet, please take it as soon as you remember, then continue with the next tablet at the normal time. If by the time you remember the next pill is due, just take one.

• allergic reactions
• facial swelling involving the tongue and throat
• difficulty breathing
• peeling and swelling of the skin
• rashes
• visual disturbances
• jaundice and vomiting
• dizziness
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• increase to the pressure in the brain
• fever
• discolouration of teeth and enamel
• yeast infection (affecting the anus or genitals)

If you take Lymecycline, you must not take any of the following medications at the same time:

• nutritional supplements containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, iron or zinc
• indigestion medication
• ulcer healing medication
• quinapril

You may be able to take Lymecycline if you allow two hours before and after taking these types of medication, please ask your doctor for advice.

You must also let your doctor know if you are taking any of the following:

• any other oral acne medication
• anticoagulants
• diuretics
• medicines for epilepsy (for example barbiturates)
• methoxyflurane (an anaesthetic)

Lymecycline reduces the effectivity of the contraceptive pill. Please use a barrier method in addition.