Lymecycline capsules

About lymecycline

Lymecycline is an antibacterial medicine. This means that it stops infections caused by germs (bacteria). It is prescribed as a treatment for a number of different types of infection, including chest and sinus infections, sexually transmitted infections, and infections in or around the mouth. It is also prescribed to treat acne.

Before taking lymecycline

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking lymecycline it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If so, you should not take lymecycline.

• If you are under 12 years of age. Lymecycline should not be given to children under 12 years old.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or if you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus, or SLE), or if you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis. Lymecycline can make these conditions worse.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take lymecycline

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about lymecycline, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take lymecycline exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is likely you will be asked to take 1-2 capsules twice a day if you are being treated for an infection, and one capsule daily if you are being treated for acne. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you which dose is right for you, and this information will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what was said to you. Each capsule contains 408 mg of lymecycline. This is equivalent to 300 mg of a similar medicine called tetracycline. Depending on which brand of capsules you have been prescribed, either of these strengths may be printed on the label.

• Try to take your doses around the same time of day each day. This will help you remember to take them. If you are taking more than one dose each day, space your doses evenly throughout the day.

• The capsules can cause throat irritation. To prevent this, swallow them with a large drink of water, and do not open or chew the capsules. Try to avoid taking the capsules just before lying down or at bedtime. Lymecycline can be taken either with or without food.

• If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Your course of treatment could last a week or so for an acute infection, or for at least eight weeks if you are taking it for acne. It is important that you keep taking the capsules regularly until the course is finished (unless you are told to stop sooner by a doctor).

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with lymecycline, as a number of 'over-the-counter' remedies can interfere with it. In particular, do not take indigestion remedies, or supplements containing iron, magnesium, or zinc at the same time as you take lymecycline. This is because lymecycline combines with these things, which makes it less effective in fighting infection. If you need to take an antacid or any of the supplements mentioned, make sure you do not take them within two hours (either before or after) of taking lymecycline.

• Some people develop thrush (redness and itchiness in the mouth or vagina) after taking a course of an antibiotic. If this happens to you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

• Lymecycline can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts.

• This antibiotic can stop the oral typhoid vaccine from working. If you are due to have any vaccinations, make sure the person treating you knows that you are taking this medicine.

Can lymecycline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the more common ones associated with lymecycline. The best place to find a full list of the side-effects which can be associated with your medicine, is from the manufacturer's printed information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Alternatively, you can find an example of a manufacturer's information leaflet in the reference section below. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: lymecycline can occasionally cause allergic reactions, such as a skin rash. Speak with a doctor as soon as possible if this happens to you.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the capsules, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store lymecycline

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines