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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.

Who can take lymecycline

Lymecycline can be taken by most adults and children over the age of 12.

Lymecycline is not suitable for some people. To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to lymecycline or any other medicine
  • have kidney problems
  • are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have liver problems
  • have an autoimmune disease called lupus
  • have myasthenia gravis – a rare muscle-weakening disease

Dosage and strength

For acne, you'll usually take 1 capsule of lymecycline once a day, usually in the morning. Each capsule contains 408mg of lymecycline.

When you take it for infections, follow your doctor or pharmacist's instructions.

Always swallow the capsule whole, along with a full glass of water, while sitting or standing, as it's important the capsule does not get stuck in your throat as it could cause irritation. For this reason, do not take the capsules just before you go to bed.

You can take this medicine with or without food. But you're less likely to feel sick if you have it with food.

Carry on taking this medicine until the course is completed, even if you feel better.

If you stop your treatment early, your problem could come back.

If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one. And never take 2 doses at the same time.

If you forget doses often, you could set an alarm to remind you. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

Taking an extra dose of lymecycline is unlikely to cause any harm. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried or you take more than 1 extra dose.

Common side effects

These common side effects of lymecycline happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor if the side effects bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects are rare, but stop taking lymecycline and call a doctor or contact 111 now if:

  • you have dark pee, the whites of your eyes turn yellow or your skin turns yellow (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin) – this can be a sign of liver problems
  • your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, lymecycline may cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

These are not all the side effects of lymecycline. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet.

Lymecycline and pregnancy

Lymecycline is not recommended during pregnancy

It can affect the teeth and bone development in your baby.

Your doctor will be able to talk to you about prescribing a different antibiotic.

Lymecycline is not one of the preferred antibiotics to use while you're breastfeeding, however it might be OK to take. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

We do not know how much lymecycline passes into breast milk. However, it is likely to be a small amount. It is best to use lymecycline for as short a time as possible when breastfeeding, ideally for no longer than 3 weeks.

There is a small chance that lymecycline can affect your baby's teeth and bone development when used for a long time. However, this is very unlikely to happen when babies have lymecycline through breast milk.

Contact your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife if:

  • your baby is not feeding as well as usual or has an upset stomach
  • your baby has a rash or oral thrush (a fungal infection in their mouth)
  • you have any other concerns about your baby

Lymecycline and fertility

There's no evidence to suggest that taking lymecycline reduces fertility in either men or women.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant as they may recommend alternative treatment for you.

Cautions with other medicines

There are some medicines that can affect how lymecycline works.

Tell your doctor if you're taking any of these medicines before starting lymecycline:

  • indigestion remedies (antacids)
  • medicines which contain aluminium, bismuth, calcium, iron, kaolin, magnesium or zinc
  • other antibiotics
  • quinapril, a medicine for high blood pressure or heart failure
  • acne medicines containing vitamin A, such as isotretinoin
  • warfarin, a medicine that helps prevent your blood from clotting
  • tablets that make you pee more (diuretics), such as furosemide
  • medicines for epilepsy like phenytoin or carbamazepine

There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with lymecycline. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines. They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines.

Tell your doctor if you're taking:

  • any supplements that contain aluminium, bismuth, calcium, magnesium or zinc
  • iron supplements

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34 public posts

Liver damage - Lymecycline

Having started to do some research I note that 18 months ago I was prescribed Lymecycline (itchy skin) which I am still taking. One of its known rarer side effects is liver problems. Does anyone have any experience of this drug? My instinct is to stop taking it. Thanks
Having started to do some research I note that 18 months ago I was prescribed Lymecycline (itchy skin) which I am still taking. One of its known rarer side effects is liver problems. Does anyone have any experience of this drug? My instinct is to stop taking it. Thanks
gspleo profile image
gspleo
in British Liver Trust
1 year ago

Life with Ectopics - 20 years old

I should probably also mention that I suffer with hyperhidrosis in my hands, moderate facial acne (I have been on lymecycline and use duac cream), and postnasal drip (treated with Avamys nasal spray).
I should probably also mention that I suffer with hyperhidrosis in my hands, moderate facial acne (I have been on lymecycline and use duac cream), and postnasal drip (treated with Avamys nasal spray).
AMcDonald profile image
AMcDonald
in Arrhythmia Alliance
1 year ago

Coming Off Lymecycline

I have been on lymecycline for about 8 months now, and am worried I am going to build up a resistance and thinking of coming off of it. Does anyone have any suggetions/tips of how to stop taking it without my acne coming back? I also use Differin Adapalene cream at night.
I have been on lymecycline for about 8 months now, and am worried I am going to build up a resistance and thinking of coming off of it. Does anyone have any suggetions/tips of how to stop taking it without my acne coming back? I also use Differin Adapalene cream at night.
zcleape profile image
zcleape
in Adult Acne Support
2 years ago
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Lymecycline, will it work?

Hi I have been on lymecycline for 2 months now and I have noticed a small change in my face however, my back and chest seem to look pretty much the same, maybe a little better. Has anyone else been on lymecycline?
Hi I have been on lymecycline for 2 months now and I have noticed a small change in my face however, my back and chest seem to look pretty much the same, maybe a little better. Has anyone else been on lymecycline?
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in Adult Acne Support
2 years ago

Can I use non-antibiotic topic creams with lymecycline?

I've been using Lymecycline for almost a week but I have broken out with some new spots. am I allowed to use topical creams to help reduce them ?
I've been using Lymecycline for almost a week but I have broken out with some new spots. am I allowed to use topical creams to help reduce them ?
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in MY SKIN
2 years ago

Skin problems

He has taken swabs and prescribed Dermovate ointment and Lymecycline antibiotics for a month. Also a shower wash.
He has taken swabs and prescribed Dermovate ointment and Lymecycline antibiotics for a month. Also a shower wash.
Wenben profile image
Wenben
in PMRGCAuk
2 years ago

Rosacea

The dr prescribed her lymecycline, 6 months worth at a time but has left it a while after her last prescription and now will need to see a dr again to get another which she doesn’t really want to do due to them being an antibiotic. The picture I have attached is an average day.
The dr prescribed her lymecycline, 6 months worth at a time but has left it a while after her last prescription and now will need to see a dr again to get another which she doesn’t really want to do due to them being an antibiotic. The picture I have attached is an average day.
Crazycatlady_101 profile image
Crazycatlady_101
in Changing Faces
2 years ago

Hormonal Acne remedies

Unfortunately it has given me hormonal acne and this has been diagnosed by my doctor, I have taken lymecycline since March now and wanted to stop taking it however a week after stopping taking the tablets I am finding that my skin is breaking out again.
Unfortunately it has given me hormonal acne and this has been diagnosed by my doctor, I have taken lymecycline since March now and wanted to stop taking it however a week after stopping taking the tablets I am finding that my skin is breaking out again.
grundy93 profile image
grundy93
in Endometriosis UK
2 years ago

Lymecycline

My daughter has been taking Lymecycline capsules but struggles to swallow them whole so empty’s the contents into water and drinks it. I’m worried this may damage her organs. Can I get a liquid form?
My daughter has been taking Lymecycline capsules but struggles to swallow them whole so empty’s the contents into water and drinks it. I’m worried this may damage her organs. Can I get a liquid form?
Holcombe123 profile image
Holcombe123
in MY SKIN
2 years ago

Lymecycline help please!

I had started developing cystic acne on my chin and it got painful and so cystic and red that I decided to go to my doctor. been on lymecycline for 7 weeks and then my doctor put me on trimothoprim as I wasnt seeing much change.
I had started developing cystic acne on my chin and it got painful and so cystic and red that I decided to go to my doctor. been on lymecycline for 7 weeks and then my doctor put me on trimothoprim as I wasnt seeing much change.
Lottiegrace profile image
Lottiegrace
in MY SKIN
3 years ago

lymecycline and skinoren side effects

I was given lymecycline and skinoren to deal with a small patch of roseca on my face. After two weeks on the tablet I started having signs of acid reflux and I've developed some type of allergic reaction I have broken out in lots of spots all across my face and chest.
I was given lymecycline and skinoren to deal with a small patch of roseca on my face. After two weeks on the tablet I started having signs of acid reflux and I've developed some type of allergic reaction I have broken out in lots of spots all across my face and chest.
Mambo2020 profile image
Mambo2020
in Adult Acne Support
3 years ago

Perimenopausal cystic acne

Tried most tabs on Lymecycline now how long should I give it, I'm getting really down. Any help appreciated
Tried most tabs on Lymecycline now how long should I give it, I'm getting really down. Any help appreciated
feraling profile image
feraling
in Adult Acne Support
3 years ago

Isotretinion capsules (Roaccutane)

I have been on various different medications prescribed by doctors, including lymecycline, and various others, changes to diet, etc. Nothing has ever cleared my skin, and I’m at my wits end with it. It’s affecting my mental health, my confidence, and also my job as I work frontline with customers.
I have been on various different medications prescribed by doctors, including lymecycline, and various others, changes to diet, etc. Nothing has ever cleared my skin, and I’m at my wits end with it. It’s affecting my mental health, my confidence, and also my job as I work frontline with customers.
jennywrenpink profile image
jennywrenpink
in Adult Acne Support
3 years ago

Lymecycline and weight loss tablets?

I have been on lymecycline for a few months now for acne and recently bough keto + pro weight loss tablets... is it recommended to continue and take both or do you advise against it?
I have been on lymecycline for a few months now for acne and recently bough keto + pro weight loss tablets... is it recommended to continue and take both or do you advise against it?
Shannonmann profile image
Shannonmann
in Adult Acne Support
3 years ago

Lymecycline

Concerned about Lymecycline, my daughter has taken for nearly a year and it has clearly worked to combat acne as now she's stopped acne problem has returned - does anyone know how long is safe to take this med for?
Concerned about Lymecycline, my daughter has taken for nearly a year and it has clearly worked to combat acne as now she's stopped acne problem has returned - does anyone know how long is safe to take this med for?
MumD profile image
MumD
in MY SKIN
4 years ago

Antibiotic Lymecycline and side effects

I'm two weeks in and it's causing all sorts of side effects - I've also read about lymecycline and pregnancy - I'm not planning so it's okay but does it have an effect on cycles etc?
I'm two weeks in and it's causing all sorts of side effects - I've also read about lymecycline and pregnancy - I'm not planning so it's okay but does it have an effect on cycles etc?
farahziya profile image
farahziya
in Women's Health
4 years ago

Antibiotic Lymecycline and side effects

So my doc has given me lymecycline for suspected rosacea, he hasn't done any skin tests to confirm, just looked and did some bloods, said they're all fine.
So my doc has given me lymecycline for suspected rosacea, he hasn't done any skin tests to confirm, just looked and did some bloods, said they're all fine.
farahziya profile image
farahziya
in MY SKIN
4 years ago

Lymecycline for Rosacea?

I've just finished a months course and went back for a check up, doc says because the spots are still there and it still looks a little flushed to try a course (1 month) of lymecycline tablets. Anyone used this? I'm looking into natural alternatives; if anyone has any suggestions!
I've just finished a months course and went back for a check up, doc says because the spots are still there and it still looks a little flushed to try a course (1 month) of lymecycline tablets. Anyone used this? I'm looking into natural alternatives; if anyone has any suggestions!
farahziya profile image
farahziya
in MY SKIN
4 years ago

Antibiotic nausea (tetralysal/lymecycline)

I have been taking lymecycline for my acne for just under two months. The first month was symptom-free but three weeks ago I started becoming very nauseous, to the point where I could no longer attend school. I stopped taking the antibiotic 3 days ago, and I’m still feeling as nauseous.
I have been taking lymecycline for my acne for just under two months. The first month was symptom-free but three weeks ago I started becoming very nauseous, to the point where I could no longer attend school. I stopped taking the antibiotic 3 days ago, and I’m still feeling as nauseous.
Sapphy747 profile image
Sapphy747
in MY SKIN
4 years ago

How often should I self-inject?

I also take folic acid daily, ferrous fumarate, vitamin C, cetirizine, propranolol and lymecycline and fultium D3. I'm 19 years of age and female. Thankyou in advance!
I also take folic acid daily, ferrous fumarate, vitamin C, cetirizine, propranolol and lymecycline and fultium D3. I'm 19 years of age and female. Thankyou in advance!
Sofiihorrell profile image
Sofiihorrell
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
4 years ago
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