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About lymecycline - Brand name: Tetralysal 300

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

It's also used to treat:

Lymecycline works by killing the bacteria that causes acne or infections.

Lymecycline is only available on prescription. It comes as capsules.

Key facts

  • For acne, you'll usually take lymecycline once a day.
  • If you're taking it for acne, you may see some improvement within a week, but it can take several weeks to work fully.
  • Common side effects include 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 or vaginal itching. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  • You can drink alcohol while taking lymecycline.

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2026
Next review due: 13 April 2029