Lymecycline capsules belong to a group of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics. It is used to treat acne which appears as blackheads or whiteheads, which people often refer to as pimples or spots.

This medicine can also be used to treat other infections, such as:

• Acute sinusitis
• Bronchitis
• Infections in the abdomen
• Some types of eye infections called trachoma
• Soft skin infections

Lymecycline is a tetracycline derivative which blocks the access of bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA to the mRNA-ribosome complex by binding to the 30S ribosome subunit, preventing the addition of amino acids to the growing peptide chain in protein synthesis

Adults and children over 12 years:

• Acne: the normal dose is one capsule once a day, preferably in the morning. Lymecycline capsules should always be taken with a glass of water. How long you will have to take Lymecycline capsules for will depend on how quickly your condition improves. For acne this will normally be a minimum of eight weeks.
• Infections: For other infections the usual dose is one Lymecycline capsule twice a day. Your doctor may recommend a higher or lower dose; this depends upon the type and severity of the infection. Ask your doctor if you are unsure. Lymecycline capsules should always be taken with a glass of water.

Use in children and adolescents: Lymecycline capsules are not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age as they can cause permanent discolouration of tooth enamel and affect bone development.

Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.

Decreased absorption with Ca, Al, Mg, bismuth and zinc salts, antacids, bismuth containing ulcer-healing drugs, Fe preparations and quinapril. Increased effects of anticoagulants. Decreased plasma levels with barbiturates, phenytoin or carbamazepine.

Hypersensitivity to lymecycline or other tetracyclines. Overt renal insufficiency. Pregnancy and lactation. Concomitant use with methoxuflurane or oral retinoids.

Lymecycline capsules may also cause the following
side effects.

Common (occur in less than 1 in 10 patients):

• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Headache

Unknown (frequency cannot be estimated from
available information):

• Eyesight disturbances
• Dizziness
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight (real or artificial)
• Increased pressure in the brain
• Changes in type or number of certain blood cells
• Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
• Changes in some blood tests (liver function tests)
• Fever
• Itchiness, skin rash, or hives
• Inflammation of the intestine

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Lymecycline capsules must not to be taken if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Use of medicines such as Lymecycline capsules may affect the proper growth of developing teeth or bones, and lead to permanent tooth discolouration.

Patient with myasthenia gravis. May exacerbate SLE. Hepatic impairment.

Tetracycline group of drugs

Store below 25° C. Protect from light.