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About lymecycline

Lymecycline is an antibiotic. It's used mainly for spots (acne).

It's also used to treat infections such as:

  • chest and sinus infections
  • sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • infections in, or around, the mouth

Lymecycline works to kill bacteria by stopping them making the proteins that they need to survive.

Key facts

  • For acne, you'll usually take lymecycline once a day.
  • Common side effects are feeling sick, stomach pain, diarrhoea and headaches. But these tend to be mild and do not last long.
  • Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like lymecycline. Symptoms include redness and itching in the mouth. Women may get vaginal itching. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  • You can drink alcohol while taking lymecycline.
  • Lymecycline is not recommended if you're pregnant.

Page last reviewed: 6 January 2022
Next review due: 6 January 2025