What is Lymecycline? Lymecycline or its branded version, Tetralysal 300 (made by Galderma), is an oral tetracycline type antibiotic used to treat acne. It is also used to treat skin, mouth, urine and chest infection. It’s particularly useful in treating inflamed skin infection caused by bacteria. Lymecycline capsules do not contain penicillin and are not related to penicillin in any way. How does it work? The treatment cannot “cure” acne, rather it keeps its symptoms under control. This means they will not affect your day to day life. Lymecycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic. Essentially lymecycline (dose 408mg) works by reducing the bacteria’s ability to multiply and without growth the bacteria eventually die. As a result, there is a marked reduction in skin inflammation and redness, as well as a reduction in spots. Propionibacterium acnes is the main bacteria that is stopped by lymecycline. This bacteria feeds on sebum produced by sebaceous glands on the skin. The waste product produced by the bacteria is what causes the glands to become irritated and inflamed. Mitigating this process stops the formation of spots. Who can use this treatment? Lymecycline is usually prescribed when over-the-counter and prescribed topical acne treatments have proven ineffective. It is also used when acne is not limited to the face. Scalp, back and limb acne is often more awkward to treat topically e.g. applying treatment on your back can be tough without help. Therefore, an oral capsule solution is often preferred as it will treat the problem all over the body. Lymecycline capsules are suitable for treating mild to moderate acne where there is an active infection and visible inflammation. They also help with other types of acne (cystic, acne rosacea and hormone related acne). How long can I use this treatment? Duration usually depends on your response to the treatment. For the treatment of acne, Lymecycline should normally be taken for at least 2 months before seeing visible results although the pain and inflamed feeling may go quicker than this.  If there is no marked improvement after 3 months you should stop treatment with the capsules and try an alternative treatment. Can I use this treatment with other gels/creams? Oral systemic treatment can be more effective when combined with compatible topical treatments. These treatments must not contain any other antibiotics, so treatments such as Zineryt cannot be used. Suitable treatments are Acnecide (Benzoyl Peroxide), Skinoren (Azelaic Acid), Epiduo (Adapalene and Benzoyl Peroxide), or Differin (Adapalene). Lymecycline/Tetralysal should not be taken at the same time as other antibiotic treatments. Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding Unfortunately, Lymecycline (and all other tetracycline) treatment is not suitable for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Lymecycline can also reduce the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives in the first 10 days of treatment, so extra precaution (barrier methods i.e. condoms) is needed.