Reviewed by Virginia Chachati MPharm
(2013, University College London)
GPhC Registration number: 2087654
Information last reviewed 10/06/2021
Lymecycline is an antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including acne.
Lymecycline is an antibiotic mainly used for the treatment of acne. It can also be prescribed to treat bacterial chest infections like pneumonia and bronchitis. There are some types of sexually transmitted infections that can be treated with lymecycline.
Lymecycline works by stopping bacteria from multiplying, eventually killing off the infection. It works particularly well against Propionibacterium acnes which is the bacterium that feeds off the oils released from sebaceous glands in the skin, causing spots associated with acne.
Lymecycline is effective for active acne but does not have an effect on acne scars. Different treatment will be needed to treat marks left by acne; you could try Differin from Dr Felix.
Lymecycline will start to work after one week of taking it daily. It can take more than two weeks to notice visibly clearer skin.
Studies have shown that lymecycline is effective at quickly clearing up acne caused by bacteria. Combining an antibiotic treatment, such as a daily capsule of lymecycline, with a suitable skincare routine will give you a better chance of healing your skin and preventing acne in future.
Dose |
1 capsule per day, in the morning, with water |
Type of medicine | Tetracycline antibiotic |
Mechanism |
Inhibits protein synthesis, preventing bacteria from replicating |
Available Size |
28, 56 or 84 capsules |
Available Strengths |
408mg |
Active Ingredient |
Lymecycline |
Price |
From 51p per tablet |
Side Effects |
Can include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain |
Each capsule of lymecycline contains 408 mg, of the active ingredient, lymecycline.
The inactive ingredients in lymecycline capsules are: magnesium stearate, colloidal silica, gelatin, titanium dioxide, erythrosine, quinoline yellow and indigo carmine.
Please note: Generic brands of lymecycline can contain different inactive ingredients. Please check the patient information leaflet provided for details
Lymecycline has been known to occasionally cause an allergic reaction such as a skin rash in some people. It is important you get immediate medical help and speak with a doctor as soon as possible if you experience this or any signs of a serious allergic reaction after taking the medication. Signs of a serious allergic reaction as the development of hives, facial or lip swelling, difficulty breathing, chest tightness or dizziness.
Lymecycline is usually taken once a day in the morning. You should swallow the whole capsule with a glass of water. If you forget to take your lymecycline capsule, take it as soon as you remember but do not double up your dose for that day.
Common side effects associated with lymecycline are:
Other side effects include:
While taking lymecycline, make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated if you experience headaches or diarrhoea. If you feel sick, taking lymecycline with or after a small meal may help settle your stomach. Avoid oily or spicy foods if you feel nauseous. Holding a hot water bottle against your stomach can help soothe abdominal pain.
You should not take lymecycline if:
Particular care should be taken if:
You should not take these medicines alongside lymecycline as they interfere with the way it works:
Lymecycline should not be taken during pregnancy or if you are trying for a baby. It can interfere with the bone development of an unborn baby and cause permanent teeth staining.
Taking lymecycline can kill some of your good bacteria which allows space for the Candida albicans yeast to grow, leading to the development of thrush. If this happens, ask your pharmacist for advice so they can suggest an appropriate treatment that won't interfere with lymecycline.
Lymecycline is an antibiotic and, initially, should be used by itself to treat acne. You should not use lymecycline at the same time as isotretinoin or other acne treatments that contain vitamin A or other antibiotics. You can use lymecycline at the same time as benzoyl peroxide gel.
Antibiotics, such a lymecycline, are not usually given to treat acne straight away. Creams and gels, such as Differin, that contain retinoids (a type of vitamin A and promotes skin healing) are common treatments for mild to moderate acne. There are also treatments you can apply on your skin that contain erythromycin, salicylic acid and azelaic acid. If these treatments do not work, then isotretinoin is a stronger treatment that you can try from Dr Felix.
Lymecycline is an antibiotic generally prescribed for acne only. Minocycline and oxytetracycline are two other types of antibiotics that may be used to treat acne. There are many antibiotics that help treat other types of infections and they may have different side effects or requirements before being recommended by a doctor.
You can still wear makeup while taking lymecycline. Try to choose cosmetics that are oil-free and do not clog your pores. Otherwise, makeup might make your acne worse.
Lymecycline is usually given as an 8-week treatment course. Your doctor will schedule a check-up after this time to check whether your acne has improved. Antibiotics, such as lymecycline, are generally safe for use under the guidance of your doctor and often do not need to be used long term.
Lymecycline is an antibiotic and helps kill bacteria that cause acne.
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