Tetralysal
- Commonly used to treat acne
- Very effectively reduces redness and skin inflammation
- Branded version of Lymecycline
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What is Tetralysal?
Tetralysal is an oral medication. It is the brand name for a medicine called lymecycline, which is a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic which is used in the treatment of acne.
This medicine is prescribed for acne and infections, it kills the bacteria that causes spots on the skin by starving them of valuable proteins that they need to survive.
There is no quick fix when it comes to treating acne, it can have a huge impact on self-confidence, quality of life and has also been linked to depression. Fortunately, Acne can be treated with Tetralysal, which contains the widely prescribed tetracycline antibiotic, Lymecycline.
Tetralysal capsules are only available on prescription and can be taken by adults and children over the age of 12. Each tablet contains 408mg of Lymecycline (equivalent to 300mg Tetracycline base).
What is Tetralysal used to treat?
Tetralysal is very commonly used to treat acne. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, this medicine is very effective at reducing the redness and inflammation caused by outbreaks, making it one of the most effective acne treatments available.
Aside from acne breakouts, the properties within Tetralysal capsules are also beneficial for treating the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. These capsules are very effective at fighting against bacteria; by stopping the build-up of bacteria in the body, Tetralysal can rapidly diminish the appearance and formation of spots.
This medication is also prescribed to treat other bacterial infections, such as chest infections or sexually transmitted infections.
How does Tetralysal work for acne?
Tetralysal works by inhibiting propionibacterium acnes, which are the bacteria that cause acne to occur. The bacteria specifically feed on sebum, which is a natural oil that is produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin.
When feeding on sebum, the bacteria leave behind fatty acids and waste products that can irritate the sebaceous glands and cause them to become inflamed and cause spots.
Tetralysal’s active ingredient lymecycline will stop this bacterium from producing the proteins they need to reproduce and survive. By controlling the number of bacteria present on the skin, the inflammation of the sebaceous glands is also reduced, thus helping to clear some of the main symptoms of acne such as redness (inflammation) and spots.
How long can I take Tetralysal for?
If you are taking Tetralysal to treat acne, you will normally be recommended to take it for at least 8 weeks. Your treatment should be reviewed after three months, to determine whether your acne treatment has been effective. If you have not noticed an improvement after this time, your doctor will probably suggest a different course of treatment.
Who can take Tetralysal?
Tetracycline antibiotics such as Tetralysal are some of the most common medicines used to treat acne, but they are not suitable for everyone.
In order to ensure that this medicine is safe for you to use, you should speak to your doctor before you use Tetralysal if one or more of the below applies to you:
- You have lupus
- You have kidney problems
- You have liver problems
- You have myasthenia gravis
- You have had an allergic reaction to lymecycline or any other medicine in the past
While it is widely prescribed to treat teenage acne, Tetralysal is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.
If you have any questions or concerns at all, you should speak to your doctor before you start to use this treatment. Always read the patient information leaflet for full warnings.
Can you buy Tetralysal over the counter?
Tetralysal is a prescription-only medicine (POM), therefore not available over the counter. To buy tetralysal, it must have been prescribed to you by a doctor or pharmacist.
Can you buy Tetralysal online in the UK?
You can buy Tetralysal online from regulated pharmacies like Medicine Direct. You will first need to fill out an online consultation questionnaire; this is to make sure it is a suitable medicine for you to take. One of our registered prescribers will review your answers and assess your condition to ensure it is suitable.
Tetralysal alternatives
While acne can be difficult to clear completely, a wide range of medicines are available to treat it. Acne cases differ from person to person, so while one treatment may work very well for one person, it may not for another.
Generic Lymecycline tablets are also available to buy from Medicine Direct after an online consultation.
We also sell Erythromycin, which is a widely prescribed antibiotic for the treatment of acne.
A range of topical medicines are also available to order from our pharmacy.
View the Acne product page to see the full range of treatments we have on offer.
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Tetralysal indications and dosage
Each Tetralysal capsule contains 408mg of Lymecycline, which is equal to 300mg of Tetracycline base
Acne
1 x 408mg capsule daily
Source - NICE
These doses may vary from case to case. Always take Tetralysal in accordance with the dose your doctor tells you to take.
How to take Tetralysal
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew them.
If you are taking Tetralysal to treat acne, you should ideally take the capsule in the morning.
Always read the patient information leaflet before you start taking your medication. Here, you will find full instructions on how to use Tetralysal.
Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE prescribing guidelines when prescribing Tetralysal Capsules.
For the most effective treatment, Tetralysal capsules should be used alongside a non-antibiotic topical treatment; this will decrease the chance of resistance of bacteria in your body. Your doctor may give you a prescription for one of these treatments.
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Tetralysal side effects
As with all medicines, Tetralysal comes with the risk of certain side effects.
Not everyone will experience side effects while taking Tetralysal capsules, but you should speak to your doctor if any of these common adverse reactions concern you or don't go away. Do not stop taking the treatment without consulting your doctor:
- Stomach pain
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Visual disturbances
- Feeling sick
This list of side effects may not be exhaustive. Please refer to the Patient information leaflet that will come with your prescription for complete details.
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Tetralysal Warnings and drug interactions
Tetralysal may interact with other medicines, which could impact the drug's effectiveness.
Before you start using the medicine, inform your doctor if you are using any of the following medications:
- Blood thinners
- Iron supplements
- Supplements that contain aluminium, bismuth, calcium, magnesium or zinc
- Diuretic tablets
- Epilepsy medicines
- Antacids
- Quinapril
- Acne medicines that contain vitamin A
For more information on medicines that interact with Tetralysal Capsules.
Because Tetralysal can cause visual disturbances, it is not advised that you drive or operate machinery if you experience this side effect.
Can I take Tetralysal during pregnancy?
Tetracyclines such as Tetralysal (Lymecycline) are not usually prescribed to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. You should always inform your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant while taking Lymecycline.
Your doctor will assess your condition and weigh the benefits against the risks of you taking Lymecycline during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Can you drink alcohol whilst taking Tetralysal?
It is safe to drink alcohol whilst taking tetralysal, drinking alcohol during your treatment will affect how effective the treatment will be for your acne.
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Tetralysal Ingredients
The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Lymecycline
For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics
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What is the price of Tetralysal to buy online in the UK?
Dosage Quantity Price Tetralysal 408mg Hard Capsules 28 Capsules £24.99 -
How long does it take for Tetralysal to work?
You will normally need to take Tetralysal for at least 8 weeks before your skin has cleared. However, many people start to notice an improvement after one week.How long can I take Tetralysal for?
The typical treatment length for Tetralysal is between 8 and 12 weeks. It can sometimes be prescribed for longer depending on how your body responds to the treatment.Does is stain teeth?
Lymecycline can permanently stain teeth due to the medicine building up in growing bones and teeth. However, this only happens in developing bones and teeth, which is why it is not used to treat children under the age of 12, or pregnant or breastfeeding women.What should I do if Tetralysal does not clear my acne?
If you are taking Tetralysal for acne, your doctor will normally check your condition after 8 weeks. They may prescribe an alternative treatment if Tetralysal doesn’t seem to be working.Is Tetralysal an antibiotic?
Tetralysal capsules contain lymecycline, which is an antibiotic.Does Tetralysal affect the pill?
No, this medicine will not affect any contraception. However, if you are taking the pill and suffer vomiting or diarrhoea while taking Tetralysal, the contraceptive pill may be less effective. Read the information that comes with your contraceptive pill for what to do if you vomit or have diarrhoea.Will my acne return if I stop taking Lymecycline?
If you stop your treatment prematurely, it is likely that your acne symptoms could return. You should always complete your treatment course to reduce the likelihood of an acne relapse.Can lifestyle changes help with acne?
You can reduce the risk of acne by limiting the use of makeup and cosmetic products, removing makeup before you go to bed, exercising regularly, showering straight after and washing your hair regularly.Does Lymecycline cause thrush?
Antibiotics can give some people thrush, which is a fungal infection. This is because antibiotics kill the regular bacteria that helps to prevent thrush from occurring. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you get thrush symptoms while using Tetralysal.How severe should my acne be to take Tetralysal?
Tetralysal is normally prescribed to treat moderate to severe acne on the face, neck or back. Because it is an oral medicine, it can work to treat larger areas more efficiently than using topical treatments.Can I drink Alcohol whilst taking Lymecycline?
Yes, there are no harmful interactions between Alcohol and Lymecycline, it is safe to drink alcohol whilst taking Tetralysal.Does Tetralysal cause any side effects?
The most common side effects when taking tetralysal include, nausea, stomach pains, headaches, diarrhoea. The side effects should subside after a couple of weeks once your body starts to get used to the treatment.How does Tetralysal compare to Accutane?
Accutane is a very potent acne treatment and is highly effective at treating severe acne. It can also be used to treat persistent moderate acne that has not responded to other treatments. It is unlikely that you will be prescribed accutane if you have not first tried other treatments such as Tetralysal first.
Written by: Hussain Abdeh MPharm: 2211840
Published on: 12/10/2020
Updated on: 20/08/2021
This content has been written by our Superintendent Pharmacist Hussain Abdeh and has been medically reviewed by our Pharmacist Sonia Khan
Hussain Abdeh
MPharm: 2211840
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
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