What is Tetralysal?
Tetralysal 300 is an oral antibiotic treatment used to address moderate to severe acne, belonging to the tetracycline family of antibiotics. It effectively treats skin infections and inflammation caused by bacteria by inhibiting their protein production, thereby preventing bacterial growth and reproduction.
Tetralysal is often prescribed when over-the-counter acne treatments have been ineffective. Clinical studies and patient reviews have demonstrated its efficacy in treating adult acne, which affects about 5% of women and 1% of men over the age of 25 in the UK.
Manufactured by Galderma, Tetralysal 300 capsules are prescription-only, with a standard dosage of 408mg taken once daily for 8-12 weeks. Tetralysal is the branded version of generic Lymecycline 408mg capsules. Complete a short online consultation to order Tetralysal.
Who should not take Tetralysal 300?
- You are allergic to lymecycline, other tetracycline antibiotics (such as doxycycline), or any of the ingredients in this medicine. An allergic reaction may include a rash or itching.
- You have a history of kidney disease.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- You are under 8 years of age.
- You are taking medicines that contain oral retinoids (used to treat acne).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Tetralysal if:
- You have hepatic impairment or renal insufficiency (liver or kidney dysfunction).
- You suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune condition causing joint pain, skin rashes, or fever) or Myasthenia Gravis (a muscle-weakening disease).
- You need to avoid direct exposure to sunlight or artificial sunlight from sunbeds. If you experience skin discomfort, stop taking Tetralysal and seek medical advice.
- You are using expired Tetralysal, as it can cause kidney disorders.
- You are undergoing prolonged treatment, as regular blood, liver, and kidney function checks may be necessary.
Children
Tetralysal should not be used in children under 8 years due to the risk of permanent tooth and enamel discoloration.
Food and drink
- The absorption of Tetralysal is not affected by moderate amounts of milk.
- Always take Tetralysal capsules with a glass of water to prevent irritation or ulceration of the esophagus.
Fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding
- Tetralysal should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can cross the placental barrier and is distributed into breast milk.
- Use of Tetralysal may affect the growth of developing teeth and cause permanent discoloration.
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Tetralysal if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to have a baby.
Driving and using machines
Tetralysal is not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.
What are the side effects with Tetralysal 300?
Like all medicines, Tetralysal can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
If you experience any of the following, stop taking these tablets immediately and see a doctor:
- Swollen face, lips, tongue, and throat
- Difficulty in breathing
- Hives
- Blistering or peeling of large areas of skin
- Ulcerations or lesions on the mouth, lips, genital, or anal regions
- Severe or persistent headaches or visual disturbances
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
Side effects with unknown frequency (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
- Allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction causing swelling of the eyes, lips, or tongue
- Blistering or peeling of large areas of the skin
- Ulcerations or lesions on the mouth, lips, genital, or anal regions
- Disturbances of eyesight*
- Dizziness
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis)
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- Increased pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension)
- Changes in the number or type of certain blood cells
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- Changes in some blood tests (tests of liver function)
- Fever
- Itchiness, skin rash, or hives
- Inflammation of the intestine
- Depression
- Nightmares
Additional side effects that may occur with tetracycline antibiotics:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (an allergic condition causing joint pain, skin rashes, or fever)
- Inflammation or ulceration of the gullet, causing pain or difficulty swallowing or painful heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Liver damage
- Teeth discolouration
- Inflammation or soreness of the tongue, mouth, cheeks, gums, or lips
- Soreness or itching of the genital area
- Yeast infection around the anus or genitals
- Infection of the colon
*The presence of symptoms such as visual disturbances or headaches could be attributed to increased pressure in the brain (intracranial hypertension). You should stop taking Tetralysal if there is any evidence of increased pressure in the brain. Benign intracranial hypertension, symptoms of which may include headache, vomiting, visual disturbances (blurred vision, blind spots, or double vision), or permanent visual loss, has been reported with tetracycline therapy.
Reporting of side effects:
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via
MHRA Yellow Card or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Does Tetralysal 300 interact with other medicines?
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines, especially:
- Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
- Diuretics (for kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure)
- Other acne treatments
- Lithium (as Tetralysal may increase lithium levels)
Do not take the following at the same time as Tetralysal, as they can affect its effectiveness. Wait at least two hours after taking Tetralysal before taking these:
- Indigestion remedies
- Ulcer healing drugs
- Quinapril (for high blood pressure)
- Supplements containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or iron
Avoid using penicillins and other types of antibiotics concurrently, as they may interfere with Tetralysal.
Tetralysal 300 FAQs
What is Tetralysal 300 and what is it used for?
Tetralysal 300 is an oral antibiotic used to treat moderate to severe acne. It belongs to a family of antibiotics known as tetracyclines. Tetralysal works by inhibiting bacteria responsible for skin infections and inflammation, such as propionibacterium acnes, which is commonly associated with acne.
How does Tetralysal treat acne symptoms?
Tetralysal works by stopping the bacteria associated with acne from producing proteins essential for their reproduction. This reduces the inflammation of the sebaceous glands, allowing the skin to heal and preventing further acne breakouts. By inhibiting bacterial growth, Tetralysal helps maintain clear skin.
Are there alternative acne treatments to Tetralysal 300 capsules?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Tetralysal, including topical acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide (Epiduo Gel, Acnecide Gel) or azelaic acid (Skinoren Cream). Other oral antibiotics such as Oxytetracycline and Minocycline, and topical antibiotics like Dalacin-T, Duac, Zineryt, and Treclin, can also be effective. It's best to consult with a dermatologist to explore the most suitable treatment options for you.
How should I take Tetralysal capsules?
Take 1 Tetralysal capsule daily, preferably in the morning with a full glass of water. You can take the capsule with or without food. The typical course lasts for at least 8-12 weeks. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
How long does Tetralysal acne treatment take to work?
You should notice an improvement in your skin condition within 8-12 weeks. If effective, you can continue taking Tetralysal for another 3 months for further improvement. If there is no improvement, consult your doctor to discuss alternative treatments.
What are the ingredients in Tetralysal? Each Tetralysal 300 capsule contains 408mg of the active ingredient lymecycline. Other ingredients include gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), erythrosine (E127), quinoline yellow (E104), and indigotine (E132).
What are the side effects of Tetralysal?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, visual disturbances, and dizziness. Rare side effects can include fungal infections, skin reactions, photosensitivity, colitis, and pancreatitis. If you experience any adverse effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What precautions should I take while using Tetralysal?
Avoid direct sunlight or artificial sunlight from sunbeds while using Tetralysal. If you experience skin discomfort, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice. Do not use Tetralysal if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Avoid use if you have a history of kidney disease or allergies to tetracycline antibiotics.
Can you take Tetralysal with other medicines?
Tetralysal can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), diuretics, and other antibiotic acne treatments. Avoid taking indigestion remedies, ulcer healing tablets, and supplements containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or iron within two hours of taking Tetralysal. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining Tetralysal with other medications.
What should I do if I experience side effects from Tetralysal?
If you experience severe side effects such as swollen face, difficulty breathing, hives, blistering, peeling skin, or persistent headaches, stop taking Tetralysal immediately and seek medical attention. Report any side effects to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects through the
MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
For more detailed information, refer to the patient information leaflet provided with the medication.
