Tetralysal

What is Tetralysal?

Tetralysal is a type of antibiotic used to treat acne and other bacterial infections. It is taken orally in tablet form. 

How does Tetralysal work?

Tetralysal works by targeting bacteria, preventing them from growing and multiplying. The medication is particularly effective against acne as it works against a type of bacteria called Propionebacterium acnes. This is the bacteria which causes acne, feeding on the oils which are produced by the sebaceous glands.

How long does Tetralysal take to work?

Tetralysal will begin to work after a week of taking it. It's likely that you won't notice a visible difference until you've been taking Tetralysal for a couple of weeks.

Is Tetralysal an antibiotic?

Tetralysal is an antibiotic. The generic name for the drug is Lymecycline. 

What causes acne?

Acne is a skin condition which causes the skin to break out in spots, pimples and blackheads. It is often associated with teenagers but it commonly affects adults of all ages too. Acne occurs when the pores in your skin become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. The main underlying cause of this is hormonal changes within the body, including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Tetralysal is lymecycline.

Inactive ingredients

The other ingredients are magnesium stearate and colloidal hydrated silica. 

The standard dose of Tetralysal to treat acne is 300mg per day. This is taken as one capsule each day. Always take the medication as your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed. 

How to take Tetralysal

Tetralysal should be taken once a day in the morning, the tablets being swallowed whole with a glass of water. Taking them after food will reduce the likelihood of experiencing Nausea or stomach upset. 

What should I do if I take too much Tetralysal?

If you take too much Tetralysal it is not likely to cause you harm. If you are worried at all then see your doctor and let them know what dose you have taken.

What should I do if I forget a dose of Tetralysal?

If you forget to take Tetralysal, just take your missed dose as soon as you remember unless it's nearly time for your next one. Do not double up doses to make up for a missed one. 

How long should I take Tetralysal for?

Take Tetralysal for the time period prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. To treat acne, this is usually 8 weeks. Always complete the course of your treatment even if your acne clears up before this otherwise your symptoms might return. 

Possible side effects of Tetralysal include: 

• Nausea 

• Stomach pain 

• Diarrhoea 

• Headaches 

• Hypersensitivity 

• Blistering of the skin, or peeling 

• Ulcers 

• Blurred eyesight 

• Feeling dizzy 

• Vomiting 

• Jaundice 

• Liver inflammation 

• Photosensitivity 

• Itchiness 

• Skin rash 

• Fever

• Altered number of blood cells 

• Difficulty swallowing 

• Yeast infection 

• Inflamed pancreas 

• Teeth discolouration 

Signs of an allergic reaction are: 

• Swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue 

• Breathing difficulty 

• Hives 

• Significant peeling or blistering of the skin 

• Ulcers 

• Severe headaches 

• Disturbed vision 

If you experience any of the above seek immediate medical attention. 

Contraindications

Do not take Tetralysal if: 

• You are allergic to Lymecycline or other types of tetracycline antibiotics 

• You are allergic to any of the other ingredients included in the medicine 

• You have ever experienced kidney disease 

• You are pregnant

• You are a child under 12 

• You are taking oral retinoids 

If any of the following apply to you let your doctor know before you take Tetralysal: 

• Liver or kidney failure 

• Systemic lupus erythematosus 

Drug Interactions

The following medicines can reduce the efficiency of Tetralysal. Wait at least two hours after taking Tetralysal before using: 

• Indigestion medicine 

• Ulcer remedies 

• Quinapril for high blood pressure 

• Supplements with calcium, aluminium, magnesium, zinc or iron

Avoid the following medications while taking Tetralysal: 

• Penicillin 

• Antacids containing aluminium, calcium, magnesium or iron salts

• Oral retinoids  

• Methoxyflurane 

Tetralysal and pregnancy

Tetralysal is not safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Let your doctor know if you are trying to get pregnant so that they can prescribe you with a suitable treatment.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Tetralysal?

You can still drink alcohol while taking Tetralysal. 

Will Tetralysal affect my contraception?

Tetralysal will not affect the contraceptive pill or emergency contraceptives.

Will Tetralysal affect my fertility?

Tetralysal has not been shown to have an effect on fertility in either women or men. 

Will Tetralysal stain my teeth?

Tetralysal can build up in teeth and bones that are still growing, resulting in permanent staining. This is why the medication is not suitable for children under 12. It will not affect adult teeth. 

Will Tetralysal cause thrush?

Thrush is a possible side effect while taking Tetralysal. This occurs because the antibiotic kills off the bacteria that normally regulates the candida yeast which causes thrush. 

Alternatives to Tetralysal

There are various treatment options available for acne. You will usually start with over-the-counter remedies and if these are unsuccessful you'll need a prescription for either topical antibiotics, retinoids or antibiotics in tablet form. Azelaic acid and Benzoyl Peroxide are two alternative types of treatments which are applied to the skin. The combined contraceptive pill can help to manage acne in women. Isotretinoin is prescribed for severe acne, or if all other treatments do not work. 

Home remedies for acne

There are ways to treat acne at home to reduce inflammation and help spots to heal. Some popular substances include: 

• Tea tree oil which has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a natural antibacterial agent

• Aloe Vera also works in a similar way and is a potent moisturiser 

• Honey is a traditional source of antioxidants and works well in clearing and healing the pores 

• Green tea which contains high concentrations of antioxidants 

These remedies are likely to work well for mild acne and the occasional pimple but moderate to severe acne will need prescription medicine to treat it effectively. Avoid using toothpaste to dry out spots as this can irritate the skin.

Can Lifestyle changes help?

There are lifestyle changes you can make to help manage acne and prevent further breakouts. These include: 

• Wash your face twice a day with non-comedogenic products (oil free) 

• Avoid over cleansing as this can aggravate skin and make your symptoms worse  

• Use moisturiser to keep the skin in good condition  

• Avoid makeup which will clog up your pores 

• Don't touch your face or squeeze spots 

• Shower after doing sports or working out 

Is Tetralysal available to buy over-the-counter?

Tetralysal is only available on prescription and cannot be purchased over-the-counter.  

What's the difference between Tetralysal and other antibiotics?

Different antibiotics have different functions and they are not all suitable for every infection. Tetralysal is the brand name for the antibiotic Lymecycline. It is designed to target the bacteria which causes acne, making it more effective than others in treating the skin condition. 

What are the different types of acne?

There are six different types of spots associated with acne: 

• Blackheads- these arise due to trapped hair within the hair follicles

• Whiteheads- small bumps similar to blackheads. They are firm to touch and do not produce pus

• Papules- Tender, red bumps 

• Pustules- Sore, red bumps which have pus in the middle 

• Nodules- large lumps which have built up under the surface of the skin and are uncomfortable 

• Cysts- large round or oval shaped lumps which are pus- filled 

Severe acne is usually characterised by cysts and nodules. These types of spots are most likely to result in permanent scarring. 

Sources

NHS> Acne https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/

NHS> Acne Complications https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/complications/

Web MD> Adult acne: popular questions and answers https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-adult-acne

Web MD> 10 tips for preventing acne https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/10-tips-for-preventing-pimples

Patient Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/926/pil