Lymecycline
About
Lymecycline belongs to a group of medications called tetracycline antibiotics. Lymecycline is used to treat acne. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when pores of the skin become plugged with oil and dead skin cells or bacteria. It causes blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples. A bacterial infection is a condition in which bacteria grows in the body and cause infection. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly.
Lymecycline contains lymecycline (antibiotic) primarily used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is a derivative of the tetracycline class of antibiotics that inhibits the protein synthesis process required for bacterial growth. As a result, bacterial cells are not able to reproduce and grow. It is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, i.e. it stops bacteria's growth but does not necessarily kill them.
You are advised to take Lymecycline for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. You may experience headache, photosensitivity (extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other light sources), dizziness, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects of Lymecycline do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor. Complete the course of medicine even if you feel better and leaving it in between may lead to even severe infection that will, in fact, stop responding to the antibiotic as well (antibiotic resistance).
Lymecycline is pregnancy category D (high risk) medicines so, its use in pregnant and nursing mothers is not recommended. It may affect bone and tooth development in unborn babies. Use of Lymecycline during tooth development (pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 12 years) may cause permanent staining of teeth (yellow-grey-brown). Its use should be avoided by pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children below 12 years of age. Do not consume alcohol as it may cause excessive drowsiness when taken along with Lymecycline. Before taking Lymecycline, tell your doctor if you ever had an allergy to Lymecycline or to any tetracycline antibiotic. Please do not drink alcohol with Lymecycline as it may increase the unpleasant side effects. Do not take Lymecycline if you have ever had kidney disease.
Uses of Lymecycline
Medicinal Benefits
Lymecycline is a type of tetracycline class of antibiotic which is effective against a wide range of bacteria including gram-negative, gram-positive bacteria and anaerobes. It is a derivative of the tetracycline class of antibiotics that inhibits the protein synthesis process required for bacterial growth. As a result, bacterial cells are not able to reproduce and grow. It is a bacteriostatic antibiotic, i.e. it stops bacteria's growth but does not necessarily kill them. Lymecycline is primarily used to treat acne. Also, used to treat other infections such as acute sinusitis (sinus infection), bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of lungs), infections in the abdomen, and some types of eye infections called trachoma.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lymecycline
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Disturbances of eyesight
- Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Iron and antacid (like magnesium hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide) may bind to Lymecycline in the gastrointestinal tract, lowering its efficiency. So, a gap of at least 2 hours should be maintained between intake of Lymecycline and iron supplements and antacids. Prolonged use of Lymecycline during tooth development (pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 12 years) may cause permanent discolouration of the teeth (yellow-grey-brown). Do not consume alcohol as it may cause excessive drowsiness when taken along with Lymecycline. Before using Lymecycline tell your doctor if you ever had an allergy to Lymecycline have kidney problems, liver problems, systemic lupus erythematosus (an allergic condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes or fever) and Myasthenia Gravis (a disease that weakens the muscles). Please do not drink alcohol with Lymecycline as it may increase the unpleasant side effects. Besides this, in some cases, the use of Lymecycline causes antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Lymecycline may cause sensitive skin to sunlight and ultraviolet rays causing exaggerated sunburn reaction. Hence it is advisable to apply sunscreen before stepping outside. Inform your doctor before taking Lymecycline if you are already on medicines like oral retinoids (to treat acne), anticoagulants (to stop the blood clotting), diuretics (used to treat kidney disease, heart disease), medicines for epilepsy (including barbiturates, e.g. phenobarbitone, phenytoin and carbamazepine) and methoxyflurane (an anaesthetic medication).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lymecycline may interact with medicines for ulcer healing, quinapril (for high blood pressure), supplements containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, zinc or iron; oral retinoids (to treat acne), anticoagulants (to stop the blood clotting), medicines for epilepsy (phenobarbitone, phenytoin and carbamazepine) and methoxyflurane (an anaesthetic medication).
Drug-Food Interactions: Supplements containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, zinc or iron should be avoided, affecting Lymecycline effectiveness. Avoid alcohol intake as it may lead to dizziness and effect Lymecycline absorption.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Lymecycline should not be given to people with kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeDo not consume alcohol as it may cause excessive drowsiness when taken along with Lymecycline.
Pregnancy
unsafeLymecycline is a Pregnancy Category D. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies on the use of lymecycline in pregnant women. In some cases, taking Lymecycline during pregnancy may affect tooth and bone development in the unborn baby so, if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy contact the doctor before using a Lymecycline.
Breast Feeding
unsafeLymecycline can pass into breast milk and may affect bone and tooth development in a nursing infant. The extent of absorption is unknown. Do not breastfeed while you are taking this medicine.
Driving
cautionDrive with caution, Lymecycline usually causes blurry vision, dizziness and may affect driving ability.
Liver
cautionLymecycline to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionDo not Lymecycline if you have ever had kidney disease. Please inform your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Children
unsafeChildren should not use this medicine. Lymecycline can cause permanent yellowing or grey of the teeth in children younger than 12 years old.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Probiotics should be taken after taking the full course of Lymecycline to restore some of the healthy bacteria in the intestines that may have been killed. Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Certain fermented foods like yoghurt, cheese, sauerkraut, kombucha, and kimchi can help restore the intestine's good bacteria.
- Include more fibre-enriched food in your diet, as it can be easily digested by your gut bacteria, which helps stimulate their growth. Thus, fibre foods may help restore healthy gut bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Whole grains like whole-grain bread, brown rice should be included in your diet.
- Eating grapefruit during antibiotics treatment can prevent the body from utilising Lymecycline properly. So, avoid intake of grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the antibiotic.
- Avoid taking too much calcium, iron-enriched foods, and drinks as it might affect the working of Lymecycline.
- Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages with Lymecycline as it can make you dehydrated and affect your sleep. This can make it harder for your body to aid the Lymecycline in fighting off infections.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Bacterial infection: A bacterial infection is a condition in which harmful bacteria enter, multiply, and infect our body. It can target any body part and multiple very quickly. When you get infected with bacteria, you can experience generalized symptoms, like fevers, chills, and fatigue. Bacteria are of various forms comprising commonly of spherical, rod, and spiral-shaped. Bacterial infections vary from minor illnesses like sore throat and ear infections to severe brain infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Few harmful bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. Anyone can become infected with a bacterial infection. People with weak immune systems or taking immunosuppressive medicine can make you more prone to bacterial infection.
Acne: Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when pores of the skin become plugged with oil and dead skin cells or bacteria. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. Acne affects people of different age groups, but it is most commonly seen among teenagers. Acne can develop anywhere on the body, mainly face, back, chest, neck, and shoulders. Blackheads and whiteheads are the most common lesions seen in people with acne. Lymecycline may work slowly against acne-causing bacteria, you will find some improvement within a week, but sometimes it can take several weeks before the acne clears.
FAQs
Lymecycline does not have any known interaction with contraceptive pills. However, if you have vomiting or severe diarrhoea, your contraceptive pills may work, and they will not protect you from pregnancy.
No, Lymecycline should not be stopped even if you feel better. It is an antibiotic medication and completing the full course if very necessary. Otherwise, the infection might re-appear in a more severe form.
The expiration date of any drug is the last day the manufacturer takes guarantee of the drug's full potency. Discuss with your doctor, Lymecycline can be taken 15-20 days after the expiry date given the shape, colour, and state of the tablet has not changed. If you find any slight change in the form of medicine, please do not take it.
You should avoid taking indigestion remedies, ulcer healing drugs, quinapril, and supplements containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, zinc or iron within 2 hours before or after taking Lymecycline. Avoid taking any other antibiotics containing Lymecycline unless your doctor has prescribed you.
Use of Lymecycline during tooth development (pregnancy, infancy, and childhood to the age of 12 years) may cause permanent staining of teeth (yellow-grey-brown). So, it is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children below 12 years of age.
You can follow the below steps at home to get benefit from Lymecycline. These steps include: • Try not to wash affected skin areas too much, as it can irritate your skin and make spots worse. • Do not use hot or cold water for washing affected area, as hot or cold water can make acne worse. • Avoid 'clean out' blackheads or squeeze spots. This can also make your acne worse and cause permanent scars. • Use water-based make-up and toiletries. • Shower after exercising, as sweat can irritate acne. • Wash your hair regularly. • Do not let your hair fall across your face.
Lymecycline contains lymecycline. Lymecycline works by preventing the formation of bacterial cell covering, which is necessary for their survival. Thereby, kills the bacteria and helps in treating and preventing the spread of infections.
