Lymecycline (Generic) | Tetralysal 408mg

Lymecycline for Acne Online

You can request to buy Tetralysal (Lymecycline) antibiotic capsules for acne online, from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. After completing a short assessment, your order will be passed to our UK registered doctors for review. 

If your online consultation is approved, our pharmacy team will dispense and dispatch your medication to your chosen address. We use Royal Mail as a courier. Options include standard delivery or next day delivery.

What is Tetralysal?

Tetralysal is a brand name of the medicine called lymecycline. It is a prescription-only antibiotic that is used in the treatment of bacterial infections and the skin condition acne. It is often used for periods of 2 to 3 months for the treatment of acne.

Lymecycline 408mg and Tetralysal 300mg are the same strength. Both are equivalent to 300mg of the active ingredient.

How does it work?

Tetralysal is an antibiotic which means it kills certain bacteria. It is not known exactly how it treats acne but there are some known mechanisms. These have been outlined below.

People with acne can have higher than usual numbers of bacteria on their skin and this can cause the inflammation and pus seen in acne. The main bacteria that seems to cause this is called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Tetralysal helps to stop the growth of P. acnes on the surface of the skin. 

It also reduces the concentration of free fatty acids in the sebum of the skin. This may also help to improve acne because free fatty acids in sebum are believed to be a possible cause of inflammation.

Dose

In adults and children over 12 years old the dose of Tetralysal is one 300mg capsule daily, preferably in the morning with a glass of water. You should take it for the duration that our doctors prescribe. This often depends on how quickly your acne improves but it is generally taken for at least 8 weeks.

If you forget to take your dose, take it when you remember and continue as before unless it is time for the next dose. A double dose should not be taken to make up for a forgotten capsule.

Alternatives

Tetralysal is used to treat moderate acne that has not improved with gels or creams. If you have mild or moderate acne the first treatments to try are creams or gels that contain retinoids such as Differin, Epiduo or Duac.

If these, or Tetralysal, do not improve your acne our other available options are:

• Zineryt - an antibiotic solution
• Acnecide - a benzoyl peroxide gel

Usually benzoyl peroxide gel or a retinoid cream should be prescribed alongside Tetralysal.

Sometimes doctors may prescribe an oral contraceptive called Dianette. This acts as a contraceptive pill but also has anti-acne properties that help to treat moderate or severe acne.

FAQ

What is tetralysal used for?

It can be used for certain bacterial infections but it is most commonly used to treat acne.

How long can you take Tetralysal for?

It can be taken for up to 3 months when used to treat acne.

How does Tetralysal work for acne?

Some people with acne have changes in the sebum of the skin that causes usually harmless bacteria on the skin to become aggressive. This can cause symptoms such as inflammation and pus. Tetralysal is an antibiotic meaning it stops the bacteria growing and improves these symptoms. 

It is also thought to reduce fatty acids in the sebum. Fatty acids in the sebum may also be responsible for inflammation.

What happens when you stop taking Tetralysal?

It depends on how your acne has responded to Tetralysal. If your acne has not improved another course of treatment may be prescribed or different treatments can be prescribed.

When should Tetralysal be taken?

It should be taken in the morning with plenty of water.

Can Tetralysal make acne worse?

Tetralysal should be used for at least 8 weeks. Acne can take time to respond to antibiotics. If you stop taking it too soon, your acne could get worse or come back.

Side effects

There is always a risk of side effects when taking any medicine. Please read the patient information leaflet to be aware of the potential side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

If Tetralysal makes you feel nauseous try to take it with or after food. This may ease this side effect.

On rare occasions it can have serious side effects. If you get any of the following symptoms stop it immediately and tell your doctor urgently:

• Pale faeces with dark pee, yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow (this can be a sign of problems with the liver)
• Your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the tongue, difficulty breathing and hives

Tetralysal may cause visual disturbances as a side effect. If this happens contact your doctor to let them know.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

• Lymecycline PIL

Warnings

Interactions with other medications

When filling out our online form, make sure to list any medicines you currently take. Some medicines can interact with Tetralysal such as:

• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Water tablets (also called diuretics)
• Other acne medication such as isotretinoin (Roaccutane)

Some medicines can bind to the active ingredient of Tetralysal in the stomach and make it less effective. To avoid this you should leave a two hour gap between taking Tetralysal and the following medicines:

• Indigestion remedies like Gaviscon
• Ulcer healing drugs
• Iron tablets or supplements

Other conditions and Tetralysal

When filling out our online form, make sure to mention any medical conditions that you have.

You should not take Tetralysal if you have ever had an allergic reaction to another tetracycline antibiotic (such as doxycycline).

It may not be suitable if you have certain conditions such as:

• Previous or present kidney or liver problems
• A disease called Lupus
• A disease called Myasthenia Gravis

Tetralysal may make the skin more sensitive to the sun. During treatment with Tetralysal it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight and the use of sunbeds.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Tetralysal crosses into the placenta and may cause harm to a foetus. Tetralysal is also present in breast milk. For these reasons, Tetralysal should not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women.