lymecycline at a glance
Medicine class
Tetracycline antibiotic
Main role
Acne and selected susceptible bacterial infections
Form
Hard capsule taken by mouth
Administration
Swallow whole with a glass of water
What is lymecycline used for?
Licensed indications vary between selected products and require a susceptible organism where infection is being treated.
Acne, including moderate-to-severe acne for one selected product
Ear, nose and throat infections, including acute sinusitis
Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
Gastrointestinal infection, including Helicobacter pylori infection
Urinary or urogenital infection, including chlamydial infection and non-gonococcal urethritis
Trachoma and rickettsial fever
Soft-tissue infection
How does lymecycline work?
Lymecycline binds to the bacterial ribosome and prevents protein production, stopping susceptible bacteria from multiplying. In acne, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects help reduce inflamed lesions.
lymecycline preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 408 mg
How to take lymecycline
Follow the directions on the dispensing label. Practical administration can reduce stomach and oesophageal irritation.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.
It can be taken with or without food; taking it with food may reduce nausea.
Moderate amounts of milk do not significantly reduce absorption.
Antacids and products containing iron, aluminium, magnesium, calcium, bismuth or zinc can reduce absorption; ask a pharmacist how to separate them.
lymecycline side effects
Common or expected effects
- Feeling sick
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Severe headache, vomiting or visual disturbance suggesting raised pressure around the brain
- Jaundice or other signs of liver injury
- Marked sunlight sensitivity
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea
lymecycline in pregnancy
The selected product information states that lymecycline should not be used during pregnancy because tetracyclines enter developing bones and teeth. Early exposure is not known to cause harm, but tetracyclines are generally avoided later in pregnancy; discuss treatment or accidental exposure with the prescriber.
lymecycline while breastfeeding
Selected product information advises against use while breastfeeding. Limited use may sometimes be considered for a healthy infant after clinical review, although an alternative may be preferred, particularly when prolonged treatment is planned.
lymecycline interactions
Check prescribed medicines, supplements and non-prescription products before starting lymecycline.
Antacids and mineral-containing medicines or supplements
Iron, aluminium, magnesium, calcium, bismuth and zinc can bind lymecycline and reduce its absorption.
Oral retinoids, including isotretinoin
Concurrent use is contraindicated because it may increase the risk of raised pressure around the brain.
Common questions about lymecycline
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How long does lymecycline take to improve acne?
Some improvement may appear within a week, but the full effect commonly takes several weeks. Contact the prescriber if acne is worsening or not improving as expected.
Can lymecycline be taken with food or milk?
Yes. It can be taken with or without food, and food may reduce nausea. Moderate amounts of milk do not significantly impair absorption.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.