Lymecycline: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Generic Name

Lymecycline

Therapeutic Class: Antibiotic / The tetracycline group of drugs

Indications:
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

Description:
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

Dosage & Administration:
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 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 discoloration of tooth enamel and affect bone development.

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

Interaction:
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.

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

Side Effects:
Lymecycline capsules may also cause the following side effects.

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

• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

HeadacheUnknown (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

Pregnancy & Lactation:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, 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 be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The use of medicines such as Lymecycline capsules may affect the proper growth of developing teeth or bones and lead to permanent tooth discoloration.

Precautions & Warnings:
Patient with myasthenia gravis. May exacerbate SLE. Hepatic impairment.

Storage:
Store below 25° C. Protects from light.