Lymecycline Capsules

What is Lymecycline?

Lymecycline is an antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections, including acne.

What is Lymecycline used for?

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.

How does Lymecycline work?

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.

How long does Lymecycline take to work?

Lymecycline will start to work after one week of taking it daily. It can take more than two weeks to notice visibly clearer skin.

How effective is Lymecycline?

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.

Lymecycline and acne scars

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. 

How to take Lymecycline?

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.

Lymecycline side effects

Common side effects associated with lymecycline are: 

• Diarrhoea 
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Stomach pain

Other side effects include: 

• Dizziness 
• Disturbed vision
• Yeast infection (thrush)
• Rash
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Colitis
• Pancreatitis
• Raised pressure in the skull (severe headaches and double vision is a sign of this)
• Problems with your liver or blood cells 

Contraindications

You should not take lymecycline if: 

• You are under 12 years old
• You are pregnant, planning a baby or breastfeeding 
• You have problems with your kidneys
• You are allergic to the ingredients or any similar antibiotics 

Particular care should be taken if: 

• You have problems with your liver 
• You have myasthenia gravis
• You have lupus erythematosus

Drug interactions

You should not take these medicines alongside lymecycline as they interfere with the way it works: 

• Aluminium salts
• Antacids
• Calcium supplements 
• Iron supplements
• Kaolin 
• Medicines containing magnesium carbonate 
• Magnesium salts
• Lanthanum 
• Sucralfate 
• Ranitidine bismuth citrate 
• Tripotassium dicitrato-bismuthate 
• Zinc salts
• Didanosine 

How to cope with Lymecycline side effects?

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.

Will Lymecycline affect my contraception?

Lymecycline won't have an effect on hormonal contraception. However, if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea after taking your contraceptive pill, as a side effect from taking lymecycline or otherwise, you should follow the instructions in the patient information leaflet about using additional methods of contraception. This is because you may not have absorbed enough of your contraceptive pill in order for it to be effective.

Will Lymecycline give me thrush?

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 and pregnancy

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.

Using Lymecycline with other acne treatments

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.

Lymecycline vs. other acne medicines

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 vs. other antibiotics

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.

Can I wear makeup with Lymecycline?

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.

Is Lymecycline safe for long term use?

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.

Is Lymecycline an antibiotic?

Lymecycline is an antibiotic and helps kill bacteria that cause acne.

Active ingredients

Each capsule of lymecycline contains 408 mg, of the active ingredient, lymecycline.

Inactive ingredients

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

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

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.