Lymecycline

Moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne not adequately controlled by topical treatment alone.

Lymecycline kills acne bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) by inhibiting protein synthesis. It also has direct anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, reducing redness and swelling around spots. The anti-inflammatory effect may be as important as the antibacterial one.

Adolescents (over 12) and adults with moderate-to-severe acne. Not in pregnancy or children under 12. Take on an empty stomach. Causes photosensitivity. Must be combined with a non-antibiotic topical (benzoyl peroxide or retinoid) to reduce resistance.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Lymecycline from £20.99 per pack.

Common: diarrhoea, nausea, rash, abdominal discomfort. Amoxicillin/co-amoxiclav: common rash (especially with viral infections). Metronidazole: metallic taste, nausea. Doxycycline: photosensitivity, oesophageal irritation. Rare but serious: Clostridium difficile colitis (persistent diarrhoea), anaphylaxis (penicillins), tendon damage (ciprofloxacin).

Penicillin allergy: do not take amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, or flucloxacillin. Ciprofloxacin: avoid in tendon disorders, epilepsy, myasthenia gravis. Metronidazole: avoid alcohol during treatment and for 48 hours after. Doxycycline: avoid in children under 12 (teeth staining).

Metronidazole: severe reaction with alcohol (disulfiram-like). Warfarin: many antibiotics alter INR - more frequent monitoring needed. Ciprofloxacin: avoid dairy, calcium, iron, and antacids within 2 hours. Oral contraceptives: no evidence that most antibiotics reduce efficacy (except rifampicin).

Penicillins (amoxicillin, flucloxacillin): generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Metronidazole: avoid in 1st trimester if possible. Doxycycline/lymecycline: contraindicated in pregnancy (teeth/bone effects). Ciprofloxacin: avoid (joint cartilage risk). Nitrofurantoin: avoid at term (neonatal haemolysis). Trimethoprim: avoid in 1st trimester (folate antagonist).

Take once daily, ideally on an empty stomach. Maximum 3-month course (to limit resistance). ALWAYS use alongside a topical (benzoyl peroxide or retinoid). Causes sun sensitivity - use sunscreen. Can cause GI upset. Avoid dairy products and antacids within 2 hours (reduce absorption). Improvement takes 6-8 weeks.