Tetralysal

What is Tetralysal?

Tetralysal is a prescription-only antibiotic capsule used to treat acne. Its active ingredient is lymecycline, a tetracycline-class antibiotic that targets the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. Unlike topical creams or gels that work on the skin's surface, Tetralysal works from inside the body to tackle the root cause of spots and inflammation.

The medication comes in one strength, Tetralysal 300, which contains 408 mg of lymecycline per capsule. It is typically used for moderate-to-severe acne, often alongside a suitable topical treatment as recommended by your prescriber.

How Does Tetralysal Work for Acne?

Acne develops when a naturally occurring skin bacterium called Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes multiplies inside blocked pores, triggering inflammation and the formation of spots. Tetralysal works by directly targeting this bacterium.

Lymecycline is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, meaning it prevents bacteria from reproducing rather than killing them outright. It does this by binding to the 30S subunit of the bacterial ribosome. This is the structure bacteria use to produce the proteins they need to survive and grow. When they cannot make these proteins, the bacteria cannot multiply, and the infection is controlled.

As bacterial activity reduces, skin inflammation settles, and spots have a chance to clear. Lymecycline may also have mild anti-inflammatory properties that help clear acne beyond its primary antibacterial effect. This includes calming redness and reducing inflamed spots over time. Its dual action makes Lymecycline an effective choice in managing moderate to severe acne.

How Long Does Tetralysal Take to Work?

Lymecycline (the active ingredient in Tetralysal) does not deal with the root cause of acne immediately. You should start to see improvement within 1 week, but it may take several weeks before acne clears up significantly. After 8 weeks, you should see your doctor to review whether lymecycline has been an effective treatment for you. You should not take antibiotics such as lymecycline long-term without first seeking advice from your doctor.

Tetralysal Results for Acne Treatment

Lymecycline has a robust clinical track record for treating acne. In a randomised controlled trial comparing lymecycline with minocycline (another tetracycline-class antibiotic), lymecycline was found to be at least as effective and generally well-tolerated. People taking lymecycline also had slightly fewer adverse gastrointestinal and skin effects. The trial itself was also double-blind and double-dummy, which means both participants and assessors did not know which medicine was which (as they looked the same), increasing reliability.

Studies consistently show a meaningful reduction in inflammatory lesions (the red, raised spots most commonly associated with moderate-to-severe acne) within 8 to 12 weeks of starting treatment. One example study showed that after 3 months of lymecycline treatment, the inflammatory count was reduced by 63% and the total lesion count by 58%. Lymecycline was also effective at reducing non-inflammatory lesions, such as blackheads and whiteheads, so it can be used for different acne types. As with all antibiotic treatments for acne, Tetralysal works best when combined with a consistent skincare routine and a suitable non-antibiotic topical treatment.

Real-world results can vary from person to person, and it may take several weeks before visible improvement occurs. As an antibiotic, it's important to complete the full prescribed course even if your skin begins to clear sooner.

Tetralysal 300 mg: How to Use

Take 1 Tetralysal 300 capsule once daily at around the same time each day (preferably in the morning). Carefully tear the aluminium strip to remove the capsule. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food, but you may be less likely to feel sick if you have it with food. Absorption of Tetralysal is not affected by moderate amounts of milk.

If You Forget to Take Tetralysal

If you forget to take your regular dose of Tetralysal, there's no need to worry. Simply take it as soon as you remember and get back to your usual schedule afterwards. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and just take the next one instead. Do not double-up on capsules to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more Tetralysal than your prescriber recommends.

If You Take Too Many Tetralysal Capsules

If you take too many Tetralysal capsules, immediately contact your clinician or doctor for advice, or go to your nearest hospital. Take the medication container with you so staff can tell how much and what you have taken.

If You Stop Taking Tetralysal for Acne

Acne typically responds slowly to antibiotics, so it may take some time before you start to notice visible results. It's essential that you take all of the Tetralysal that your clinician has prescribed, as stopping early could cause your acne or infection to come back or get worse. If you are unsure whether Tetralysal is right for you, speak to your doctor.

Side Effects and Cautions

Just like any medication, Tetralysal may not be suitable for everyone. Review the following safety information to learn about the potential side effects of Tetralysal use and determine whether it is the right choice for you.

Potential Side Effects of Tetralysal Capsules

Not everyone who takes Tetralysal will experience side effects. However, if you do experience unwanted side effects, you should discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist. Reported side effects of Tetralysal use include:

*Further Frequency Unknown side effects are discussed in the following sections.

Please note that the above is not an exhaustive list of possible Tetralysal side effects. More information can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication. You can also report any adverse reactions to the MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme.

Potential Side Effects of Tetracyclines

Additional side effects have also been reported in people taking the same class of medicines to which Tetralysal belongs (tetracycline antibiotics). These include:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (an allergic condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes or fever)
• Inflammation or ulceration of the gullet, causing pain or difficulty swallowing or painful heartburn
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Liver damage
• Teeth discolouration
• Inflammation or soreness of the tongue, mouth, cheeks, gums or lips
• Soreness or itching of the genital area
• Yeast infection around the anus or genitals
• Infection of the colon

When to Stop Taking Tetralysal

You should stop taking Tetralysal and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Swollen face, lips, tongue and throat
• Difficulty in breathing
• Hives
• Blistering or peeling of large areas of skin
• Ulcerations or lesions on the mouth, lips, genital or anal regions
• Severe or persistent headaches or visual disturbances

The frequency of allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions is unknown. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and rash or hives (a raised itchy rash). Seek emergency medical assistance if any of these symptoms occur.

Symptoms such as visual disturbance, headaches, vomiting, or permanent loss of vision may indicate increased pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension). You should stop taking Tetralysal and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of intracranial hypertension.

Tetralysal Warnings and Interactions

Tetralysal is available by prescription for people with moderate to severe acne. Your prescriber will review your acne type, severity and any previous treatments before deciding whether Tetralysal is right for you. At Prescription Doctor, Tetralysal is only available for adults aged 18 and over.

You should not take Tetralysal capsules if you:

• Are allergic to lymecycline or other tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline)
• Are allergic to any other of the ingredients in this medication
• Have ever had kidney disease
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding

Precautions Before Taking Tetralysal

Tetralysal may not be suitable for everyone. Tell your prescriber if you have impaired liver or kidney function, have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or have Myasthenia Gravis. You should also be aware that an overdose may result in liver problems. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or artificial light (such as sunbeds). If you do experience skin discomfort, stop taking Tetralysal and speak to your doctor.

Much like any other antibiotic, treatment can result in a secondary bacterial or fungal infection. With tetracycline antibiotics, there is a particular risk of resistant staphylococcal enterocolitis (inflammation of the small intestine and colon caused by bacteria resistant to some antibiotic treatments).

If you take Tetralysal for an extended period, your doctor should check your blood composition, liver function, and kidney function. When taking the medicine, swallow whole with adequate amounts of water to reduce the risk of irritation or ulceration to the oesophagus.

Tetralysal Capsules and Other Medicines

Tell your prescriber if you are taking or have recently taken any other prescribed medicines, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies. The following may interact with Tetralysal in some way:

• Medicines to thin your blood (e.g. warfarin or apixaban)
• Diuretics (e.g. furosemide or spironolactone)
• Other medicines to treat acne
• Lithium (Tetralysal may increase lithium levels)

The following medications are not suitable to take alongside Tetralysal:

• Penicillins and some other types of antibiotics (these can interfere with each other)
• Antacids containing aluminium, calcium, or magnesium, and products containing iron salts (these can reduce the absorption of Tetralysal)
• Oral retinoids or doses of more than 10,000 IU/day of vitamin A
• Methoxyflurane (risk of fatal kidney toxicity)

Do not take the following medicines at the same time as Tetralysal, as these could affect how well Tetralysal works. Wait at least 2 hours after taking Tetralysal before you take:

• Indigestion remedies
• Ulcer healing drugs
• Quinapril
• Supplements containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, zinc, or iron

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility

Do not take Tetralysal if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Tetralysal can cross the placental barrier (affecting a foetus) and can be found in breast milk. Medicines such as Tetralysal may affect the growth of developing teeth and lead to permanent discolouration. If there is a chance you may become pregnant or are planning to have a baby, speak to your doctor for advice before taking Tetralysal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tetralysal for Acne