Tetracyclines
Lymecycline
AcneOther skin conditions (as advised by your prescriber)
Start a diary for this antibiotic
Usually prescribed for:Acne
Information follows NICE antimicrobial prescribing guidance and the BNF.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach discomfort
- Headache
- Thrush
How often each one happens varies by medicine and product, so check your leaflet. Many are mild, but ask your pharmacist or doctor if they are troublesome or do not settle.
Less common side effects
- Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburn easily)
- Loss of appetite
Get medical help straight away if you notice
- Pain or difficulty swallowing, or chest pain, from irritation of the food pipe
- Severe headache with blurred vision
- Severe allergic reaction
Taking it safely
- Swallow with a full glass of water and stay upright for 30 minutes.
- Can be taken with or without food; ask your pharmacist what suits you.
- Use sunscreen and avoid sunbeds.
- Usually avoided in pregnancy and in children under 12 years of age, because tetracyclines can affect developing teeth and bones.
- For acne you will have a review with your prescriber, usually at 3 months.
Report a side effect
You can report any suspected side effect to the UK Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.