Lymecycline

Lymecycline is a tetracycline broad-spectrum antibiotic marketed by the pharmeceutical company Galderma[1]. It is approximately 5000 times more soluble than tetracycline base and is unique amongst tetracyclines in that it is absorbed by the "active transport" process across the intestinal wall, making use of the same fast and efficient mechanism by which carbohydrates are absorbed.^[2]

The greater absorption of Lymecycline allows for lower dosages to be used; the standard dose of 408 mg is equivalent to 300 mg tetracycline base, and in its action to 500 mg tetracycline hydrochloride. Lymecycline, unlike tetracycline hydrochloride, is soluble at all physiological pH values.

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History

Lymecycline was released onto the pharmaceutical market in 1963.

Indications

Lymecycline, like other Tetracyclines, is used to treat a range of infections (see Tetracycline antibiotics group). Its better absorption profile makes it preferable to tetracycline for moderately severe acne and typically prescribed for 8 weeks at a time, but alternatives should be sought if no improvement occurs by 3 months.^[3]

Dosage

The standard dose is 408mg (one capsule) twelve hourly by mouth. In particularly severe infections this dose may be increased to 1.224-1.632mg (three or four capsules) daily.

The 408mg once daily dosage for acne aids good drug compliance.

Formulation

Capsules containing 408mg of Lymecycline (brand name Tetralysal 300).

References

1. ^  New Zealand Datasheet August 2003
2. ^  British National Formulary 45 March 2003

See also

Timeline of antibiotics