Lymecycline

What Is Lymecycline Used For?

Lymecycline is an oral antibiotic that is used to treat acne in adults. It belongs to a group of antibiotics known as tetracyclines.

According to NICE, it is recommended to use a topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide when taking an oral antibiotic to treat acne.

With Prescription Doctor, we offer a combination pack of Epiduo gel and lymecycline capsules to treat severe acne. You will have the option to select this variation pack after the consultation.

Lymecycline is available under the brand name Tetralysal or as a generic. Both generic lymecycline and Tetralysal are available in 408mg capsules.

How Does Lymecycline Treat Acne?

Lymecycline treats acne by killing bacteria that cause acne.

When a pore becomes clogged, sebum builds up beneath the skin's surface.

Bacteria feed on the excess sebum and excrete chemicals that cause skin irritation and inflammation.

By killing the bacteria, the inflammation is reduced and the skin heals.

How long does lymecycline for acne take to work?

When treating acne with Lymecycline, it may take up to 8 weeks for the effects of the treatment to become noticeable.

If you do not notice an improvement in your condition after 8 weeks, speak to your doctor. They may change your dosage or offer an alternative treatment entirely.

How long will I need to take lymecycline for to clear acne?

It is essential to complete the course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms subside, or you feel better. Stopping antibiotics early can cause the infection to return, or may affect how your body responds to future antibiotics.

Everyone responds to medicines differently. How long you will need to take lymecycline for will depend on the severity of your acne and how well you respond to the antibiotics.

How To Take Lymecycline?

Always take Lymecycline as prescribed by your doctor.

Our online prescriber will determine the most appropriate dosage for you.

The typical dose for acne is to take one 408mg capsule once a day.

Swallow lymecycline capsules whole with a glass of water.

You can take lymecycline capsules with or without food.

Do not crush or break the capsules.

When should I take lymecycline?

Lymecycline capsules can be taken at any time of day, though it is often recommended to take them in the morning.

You should aim to take your lymecycline at the same time every day.

What should I do if I forget to take a dose of Lymecycline?

If you miss a dose of lymecycline, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time for your next dose. In this case, you should skip the missed dose and take your next dose of lymecycline at the usual time.

Do not take more of the medicine to make up for missed doses.

If you often forget when to take Lymecycline, set a reminder on your phone or smart device.

What should I do if I accidentally take too much lymecycline?

If you accidentally take too much Lymecycline, speak to your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

Your acne will not clear any fast by taking more lymecycline than you should, but you may put yourself at a greater risk of experiencing side effects.

If you are unsure how much lymecycline you are supposed to take, speak to your doctor.

Lymecycline side effects and cautions

Who should not take Lymecycline?

Do not take Lymecycline if you:

• are under 12 years old
• ever had kidney disease
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are allergic to or any of the ingredients

To learn more regarding the side effects of Lymecycline, visit the NHS website.

Side effects of lymecycline

All medications carry the risk of side effects, though they are not guaranteed.

Always read the enclosed patient information leaflet before you start taking Lymecycline. The patient information leaflet contains important information on how to take, store and dispose of lymecycline capsules, as well as important information regarding the medicine's safety.

If you have any questions or concerns about any of the information presented in the patient information leaflet, our online prescribers are on hand to discuss the treatment with you. You can use the "my chats" system under your Prescription Doctor account to discuss any concerns you have.

Common Lymecycline side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach ache
• Diarrhoea
• Headaches

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects associated with lymecycline capsules. Further information regarding the safety of lymecycline, including a complete list of side effects, can be found within the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

If you experience any side effects, regardless of whether they are listed above or found within the patient information leaflet, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Allergies

Do not take Lymecycline if you are allergic to lymecycline or any of the ingredients listed within the patient information leaflet.

If you experience the signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking medicine and seek emergency medical attention by going straight to your nearest accident and emergency department. Remember to take the packaging and any remaining medicine with you so that the doctors know what you have taken.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

How does Lymecycline interact with other medicine? 

Lymecycline or Tetralysal can interact with certain medicines. These include:

• medications used to thin your blood (e.g. warfarin)
• diuretics (used to treat kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure)
• It can also interact with other acne antibiotic medicines.

If any of the above interactions apply to you, please notify us immediately.

Do not take any of the following medicines at the same time as Lymecycline:

• antacids and other indigestion treatments
• drugs to treat ulcers
• quinapril (for high blood pressure)
• supplements containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, zinc or iron

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Lymecycline or Tetralysal if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. 

If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor about alternative treatments which are safer for you and your baby.

If you become pregnant during your course of treatment, inform your doctor straight away. They will discuss alternative treatments for acne with you.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking Lymecycline?

You can drink alcohol in moderation while taking Lymecycline. Avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week. Consuming high quantities of alcohol may increase your risk of side effects such as dizziness and nausea.

Can I get Lymecycline over the counter?

Lymecycline is only available on prescription and cannot be bought over the counter. With Prescription Doctor, you can get a private prescription for Lymecycline online following an online consultation with one of our doctors. If our doctor deems the treatment suitable for you, they can issue a prescription for Lymecycline, which our UK based pharmacy can fulfil.

Is Lymecycline the same as Tetralysal?

Tetralysal is a brand name treatment for acne.

Both medicines contain 408mg of lymecycline.

Does Lymecycline (Tetralysal) cause weight gain?

Weight gain has not been reported as a side effect of Lymecycline or Tetralysal. If you notice any significant change in your weight, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

How much does Lymecycline cost?

At Prescription Doctor, we offer 28 capsules for £19.99. Our prices can be viewed at the top of the page by clicking on "Review more prices".

Will Lymecycline affect my contraceptive or birth control pills?

Lymecycline is not known to interact with hormonal contraceptives, including the combined contraceptive pill or the morning-after pill.

If you experience vomiting or diarrhoea for 24 hours after taking your contraceptive pill, as a side effect of Lymecycline, the contraceptive effect may be reduced.

Further information on what to do in this situation can be found within the patient information leaflet for your contraceptive pill. You can also seek advice from your doctor or a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Does Lymecycline affect fertility?

Lymecycline does not impact fertility in men or women. If you have any concerns about your fertility, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before taking Lymecycline.

Does Lymecycline cause thrush?

Antibiotics, such as Lymecycline, can cause thrush in some people who take them.

If you experience the symptoms of oral or vaginal thrush during your course of Lymecycline, speak to your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Does Lymecycline stain teeth?

Lymecycline may stain developing teeth. For this reason, it is not recommended for children under 12 years old or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are concerned about side effects associated with Lymecycline, speak to your doctor, dentist or a pharmacist.

Additional resources

10 foods to avoid if you want clear skin

How to use tea tree oil for acne

What causes 'bacne', and how is it treated?

Natural ways to control your acne

Control your hormones; control your acne

Authored & Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Published on: 12/09/2018 Reviewed on: 26/10/2023