How does lymecycline work?
Lymecycline is from a group of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics.
These antibiotics kill bacteria by stopping them making the proteins that they need to survive.
How long does it take to work?
Lymecycline works slowly against acne. You should see some improvement within 1 week, but it can take several weeks before acne clears.
For acne, your doctor will usually check you after 8 weeks to see if lymecycline has worked.
If you're taking lymecycline for an infection, tell your doctor if you do not start feeling better after taking it for 7 days, or at any time if you start to feel worse.
Will it give me thrush?
Some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like lymecycline.
Antibiotics kill the normal harmless bacteria that help to defend against thrush.
Symptoms include redness and itching in the mouth or vaginal itching. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Does it stain teeth?
Lymecycline can build up in growing bone and teeth. This can stain teeth permanently.
It only happens when bones and teeth are developing. That's why lymecycline is not usually used in children under 12 years old, or during pregnancy.
Can I have vaccinations?
If you're taking lymecycline long-term for acne and you're due to have the oral typhoid vaccine, stop taking lymecycline 3 days before the vaccine and restart 3 days afterwards.
If you're taking a shorter course of lymecycline to treat another type of infection, it may be best to wait until you finish taking lymecycline before having the oral typhoid vaccine. Ask your doctor for advice.
It's OK to have the typhoid vaccine that comes as an injection when taking antibiotics, as it is not a live vaccine.
Do not have a cholera vaccine if you're on antibiotics and for 14 days after finishing antibiotics.
This is because the antibiotics affect how the vaccines work in the gut.
If you have any questions about this or other vaccinations, speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
How does lymecycline compare with other antibiotics?
Lymecycline is usually only used to treat acne. Other antibiotics that can be used for acne include minocycline and oxytetracycline.
Not all antibiotics are suitable for every infection. Your doctor will choose an antibiotic that's suitable for the type of infection you have.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Will it affect my contraception?
Lymecycline does not stop any type of contraception from working, including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or emergency contraception.
However, if you have severe, watery diarrhoea, or any diarrhoea that lasts for more than 24 hours, your contraceptive pills may not protect you from pregnancy.
Look at the instructions in the leaflet in the contraceptive pill packet to find out what to do.
Find out more:
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Yes, lymecycline will not affect you being able to drive or cycle.
Can I drink alcohol while taking lymecycline?
Yes, you can drink alcohol if you're taking lymecycline.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
You can eat and drink normally while taking lymecycline.
Can lifestyle changes help my acne?
Some lifestyle changes can help your acne:
- try not to wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day – too much washing can irritate your skin and make spots worse
- wash spotty skin with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water – very hot or cold water can make acne worse
- never clean out blackheads or squeeze spots – this can make them worse and cause permanent scars
- do not use too much make-up and cosmetics
- use water-based make-up and toiletries that are described as non-comedogenic – this means the product is less likely to block the pores in your skin
- remove make-up before going to bed
- use a fragrance-free, water-based moisturiser if dry skin is a problem
- shower as soon as possible after exercising, as sweat can irritate acne
- wash your hair regularly, and try not to let your hair fall across your face