Lymecycline
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Lymecycline Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Tetralysal 300
About Lymecycline
Lymecycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. Lymecycline works by killing propionibacterium acne, one of the main bacteria that causes severe acne.
It is also used for the treatment of chest and sinus infections, sexually transmitted infections, and infections in or around the mouth.
It is available with a prescription as generic Lymecycline or as the active ingredient under the brand name Tetralysal. NowPatient offers Lymecycline as a treatment for acne only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Lymecycline
- For the treatment of acne
- Lymecycline can take several weeks to work. Speak to your doctor if you see no improvement after 8 weeks
- Lymecycline has some common side effects which include sickness and diarrhoea
- It can be dangerous if you take Lymecycline with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- You may get thrush when taking Lymecycline. Symptoms include redness and itching in the mouth, and/or vaginal itching
- Lymecycline is not recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
Who is Lymecycline suitable for?
Lymecycline is suitable for most adults and children over the age of 12.
Who is Lymecycline not suitable for?
Lymecycline may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Lymecycline if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to Lymecycline
- Have kidney disease
- Have liver problems
- Have systemic lupus erythematosus
- Have myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)
How and where to get Lymecycline?
You can buy Lymecycline safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with our prescribers for the treatment of acne, you can discuss if Lymecycline is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Lymecycline for acne
Lymecycline is available in capsule form when used for acne, it is available in strengths of 408mg capsules. The typical dose of Lymecycline for acne is 1 capsule once a day, usually in the morning.
Information about how to take Lymecycline for acne
Lymecycline capsules should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. Also, make sure you read the patient information leaflet given to you.
Swallow the capsule whole, with a full glass of water, either sitting or standing. The capsule could otherwise cause irritation if it gets stuck in your throat. Do not take Lymecycline just before you go to bed. You may take Lymecycline with or without food.
What happens if you take too much Lymecycline?
An extra dose of Lymecycline is unlikely to cause any harm.
However, you should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Lymecycline and you experience any of the following side effects.
What are the side effects of Lymecycline?
Side effects of Lymecycline are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
Serious side effects include:
- Sign of liver problems – dark urine, yellowing of your eyes or skin
- Skin more sensitive to the sun
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here: how and where do i report side effects of my medication
Information about taking Lymecycline at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Lymecycline. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor if you’re taking:
- Supplements containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc
- Indigestion remedies such as antacids
- Other antibiotics
- Quinapril
- Vitamin A
- Warfarin
- Diuretics such as furosemide
- Phenytoin or carbamazepine for epilepsy
Lymecycline does not stop contraceptive pills from working. If you have any vomiting or diarrhoea and take the contraceptive pill, you might be at risk of your contraceptive not working.
Why might Lymecycline not work for acne?
Lymecycline may not work for you, common reasons may be interactions with other drugs you may be taking or antibiotic resistance. Topical treatments such as Differin, Epiduo, or benzoyl peroxide should be used when taking Lymecycline to reduce the chances of antibiotic resistance.
Can Lymecycline taken for acne be taken long term?
The course of treatment of Lymecycline is 3 months, or up to 6 months if your acne has not cleared completely, followed by a 3 month break.
Is there a herbal Lymecycline?
No. Herbal Lymecycline does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Lymecycline?
Women can only take Lymecycline for the treatment of acne. It is however, not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Lymecycline?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Lymecycline.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with acne?
Lifestyle changes you can make include:
- Not washing affected areas of skin more often than twice a day as this may irritate your skin and make spots worse
- Washing affected skin with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water
- Never squeeze spots as this can cause permanent scars
- Not to use too much make-up or cosmetics and use water-based make-up and toiletries that are less likely to block skin pores
Alternatives to Lymecycline
Alternatives for the treatment of acne include Epiduo gel, Duac gel, Treclin gel, Zineryt lotion, oxytetracycline, and minocycline.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Lymecycline
What is Lymecycline?
Lymecycline is a tetracycline antibiotic widely prescribed in the UK for the treatment of acne vulgaris. It is available as 408 mg capsules, with each capsule equivalent to approximately 300 mg of tetracycline base. Lymecycline is often preferred over other tetracyclines for acne because of its convenient once-daily dosing and the fact that it can be taken with food without significantly affecting absorption. It is a prescription-only medicine and is commonly prescribed alongside topical acne treatments.
How does Lymecycline work for acne?
Lymecycline works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis in Cutibacterium acnes, the bacterium primarily responsible for inflammatory acne. It binds to the 30S ribosomal subunit, preventing the bacteria from producing proteins needed for growth and reproduction. Lymecycline also has direct anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the inflammatory mediators that cause the redness, swelling, and pain of acne lesions. This dual antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action makes tetracyclines effective for moderate inflammatory acne.
Is Lymecycline better than Doxycycline for acne?
Both Lymecycline and Doxycycline are effective and widely used for acne in the UK. They have similar efficacy. Lymecycline (408 mg once daily) is convenient and can be taken with food. Doxycycline (100 mg once daily) should be taken with food and can cause more photosensitivity and oesophageal irritation. NICE and BAD guidelines consider both acceptable first-line oral antibiotics for acne. The choice often comes down to individual tolerance and prescriber preference. If one does not suit you, switching to the other is a reasonable option.
What is the usual dose of Lymecycline for acne?
The standard dose of Lymecycline for acne is 408 mg (one capsule) once daily. Treatment is usually continued for a minimum of 8 weeks, and most courses run for 12–16 weeks. Some patients may need up to 6 months of treatment. After this, your prescriber should review your progress and consider stepping down to topical treatments alone. Lymecycline should always be used alongside a topical agent (usually benzoyl peroxide) to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Can I take Lymecycline with food?
Yes, Lymecycline can be taken with or without food, which is a significant advantage over older tetracyclines like Oxytetracycline. However, you should avoid taking Lymecycline at the same time as dairy products, antacids, iron supplements, or calcium products, as these can still reduce its absorption. Swallow the capsule whole with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards to avoid oesophageal irritation.
What are the common side effects of Lymecycline?
Common side effects of Lymecycline include nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and headache. Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight) is a known tetracycline effect — use high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30+) and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Oral and vaginal thrush may develop. Mild dizziness is occasionally reported. These side effects are generally mild and often improve as the body adjusts. If side effects are troublesome or persistent, speak to your prescriber about alternatives.
Does Lymecycline cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a recognised or commonly reported side effect of Lymecycline. Tetracycline antibiotics do not typically affect weight. Any weight changes during a course of Lymecycline are more likely related to other factors such as diet, lifestyle, or hormonal changes. If you notice unexplained weight changes while taking Lymecycline, discuss this with your doctor.
What drugs interact with Lymecycline?
Lymecycline shares the standard tetracycline interactions. Antacids, calcium, iron, and zinc supplements reduce absorption — separate doses by at least 2–3 hours. Warfarin’s effect may be enhanced, requiring INR monitoring. Do not use with oral retinoids (isotretinoin) due to risk of benign intracranial hypertension. Rifampicin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin may reduce Lymecycline levels. According to FSRH guidance, Lymecycline does not reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Lymecycline?
There is no specific interaction between Lymecycline and alcohol. Moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to affect the medication’s efficacy. However, alcohol can worsen acne in some people and may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. It is sensible to moderate your alcohol intake while taking any antibiotic course.
How can I get a prescription for Lymecycline?
You can get Lymecycline from your GP or through an online service such as NowPatient. Your prescriber will assess your acne severity and ensure you are using an appropriate topical treatment alongside the antibiotic. NowPatient offers a convenient online consultation where a qualified UK prescriber can evaluate your acne and prescribe Lymecycline with home delivery. It is available on NHS prescription or privately.
Can I take Lymecycline during pregnancy?
No, Lymecycline should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Like all tetracyclines, it can cause permanent tooth discolouration and affect bone development in the foetus. It is also contraindicated in children under 12 years. If you become pregnant while taking Lymecycline, stop it immediately and inform your doctor. Safer acne treatments during pregnancy include topical benzoyl peroxide and azelaic acid.
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