What is Tetralysal used for?
Tetralysal Capsules are used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe acne. They will often be prescribed to those who have found over-the-counter treatments to be ineffective and therefore require a stronger acne treatment. Known as a tetracycline antibiotic, Tetralysal prevents the growth of acne-causing bacteria and helps to reduce acne symptoms such as blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, and skin blisters.
Patient studies and reviews have shown Tetralysal to be especially effective at treating adult acne (around 5% of women and 1% of men in the UK continue to suffer from acne into adulthood).
How does Tetralysal work?
Severe acne symptoms (which can include pustules, papules or blisters) can be painful, as well as affecting confidence and self-esteem in sufferers. Acne cannot be cured, but the condition can be managed and treated using an antibiotic like Tetralysal.
Tetralysal comes from a family of antibiotics known as tetracycline antibiotics. It works by killing off the bacteria responsible for causing acne (by stopping them from producing the proteins they need in order to multiply and grow) and subsequently treating infection and inflammation caused by these bacteria.
Tetralysal alternatives
There are a number of treatments (both prescription and over-the-counter) available to treat the symptoms of acne. Tetralysal is most effective against moderate to severe acne, but if your symptoms are milder, you may opt for an over-the-counter treatment.
Over-the-counter acne treatments include:
- Acnecide Gel
- CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Acnecide Daily Cleanser
If you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments but they have not been effective, the next step may be to try a prescription alternative such as Tetralysal or an alternative.
Alternative prescription acne treatments include:
- Oxytetracycline
- Minocycline
- Dalacin-T
- Zineryt
- Duac
Self-help techniques can also help you to control the symptoms of acne. These can include:
- Washing the affected areas no more than twice a day
- Using mild soaps and cleansers
- Avoiding the use of excess makeup or cosmetics
- Removing makeup before bed
- Avoiding oil-based skin products
- Washing your hair regularly
To explore the right acne treatment for you, speak to your doctor.
Directions
How do I use Tetralysal?
One Tetralysal capsule should be taken daily with a glass of water, ideally first thing in the morning. You should continue to take Tetralysal for between 8 and 12 weeks.
If the treatment has proved ineffective during this time, you may continue taking Tetralysal for another 12 weeks (or as advised by your doctor) until you see a further improvement.
If there is still no improvement in your acne at this point, you should speak to your GP to explore an alternative treatment.
For best results, use Tetralysal alongside a non-antibiotic, topical acne treatment like Acnecide Gel.
Who is Tetralysal suitable for?
Tetralysal is suitable for adults and children over the age of 8 who suffer from moderate to severe symptoms related to acne. It should not be prescribed to anyone under the age of 8.
Tetralysal should not be taken by women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. It is also not suited to those who have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease.
If you’re unsure about whether Tetralysal is suitable for you or your child, you should consult your GP first.
Tetralysal side effects
As with any medication, side effects can occur when taking Tetralysal, although these are rare. The most common side effects of Tetralysal include:
- Stomach aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
In rarer cases, some users of Tetralysal might experience the following side effects:
- Fungal infections (e.g. thrush)
- Skin redness or a rash
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight or UV
- Inflammation of the colon and rectum (colitis)
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
If you have any concerns about the possible side effects of Tetralysal, speak to your doctor.
Tetralysal warnings
Do not take Tetralysal if you know you are allergic to lymecycline or any of the other ingredients listed below.
You should not take Tetralysal if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. You should also avoid Tetralysal if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney disease.
You should consult a GP or pharmacist before taking Tetralysal any of the following apply:
- You have reduced kidney or liver function
- You suffer from an allergic condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (which causes skin rashes and joint pain)
- You suffer from a muscle-weakening condition known as Myasthenia Gravis
You should also avoid exposing the skin to direct sunlight while taking Tetralysal (this includes using sunbeds).
If you experience any pain or discomfort while using Tetralysal, stop taking it and consult your GP.
Tetralysal and other medications
You should speak to your GP before taking Tetralysal alongside any other medications. Medications that can interact with Tetralysal include:
- Blood thinning medications such as warfarin
- Diuretics (which are used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease)
- Other antibiotic acne medications
You should not take any indigestion treatments, ulcer medications, quinapril (a treatment for high blood pressure) or any supplements containing aluminium, calcium, iron, magnesium or zinc within 2 hours of taking Tetralysal.
Tetralysal ingredients
Each Tetralysal capsule contains the active ingredient lymecycline (408mg). The other ingredients in Tetralysal are gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), erythrosine (E127), quinoline yellow (E104) and indigotine (E132).