What Tetralysal is and what it is used for Tetralysal belongs to a group of medicines called tetracycline antibiotics. The main use of Tetralysal is to treat acne. Acne appears as blackheads and whiteheads which people often refer to as pimples or spots. Tetralysal attacks the bacteria that are one of the main causes of acne. The name of these bacteria is propionibacterium acnes. This medicine can also be used to treat many other infections caused by bacteria. If you are not sure why you have been prescribed this medicine, talk to your doctor. What you need to know before you take Tetralysal Do not take Tetralysal if: you are allergic to lymecycline or to other tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). An allergic reaction may include either a rash or itching you have ever had kidney disease you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding Tetralysal must not be given to children under 8 years of age. Tetralysal must not be taken at the same time as medicines which contain oral retinoids (these include some other medicines used to treat acne). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Tetralysal. Tell your doctor before taking Tetralysal if you have hepatic impairment or renal insufficiency (failure of liver and kidney function). suffer from systemic lupus erythematosus (an allergic condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes or fever) or Myasthenia Gravis (a disease that weakens the muscles). Overdosing might result in liver problems. You should avoid direct exposure to sunlight or artificial sunlight from sunbeds. If you experience skin discomfort then stop taking this medicine and seek advice from your doctor. Do not use this medicine if the expiry date has passed, expired Tetralysal can cause kidney disorder As with other antibiotics, treatment with tetracycline can cause secondary bacterial or mycotic infections (fungal). There is in particular the possibility of resistant staphylococcal enterocolitis (inflammation of the small intestine and colon due to bacteria that are resistant to the therapeutic action of the drug). Should you undergo cycles of prolonged treatment with Tetralysal, your doctor will prescribe regular checks of blood composition and liver and kidney function. Take the medicine with adequate amounts of water to avoid irritation or ulceration of the esophagus. Children Tetralysal should not be used in children under 8 years because of the risk of permanent alterations of tooth and enamel discoloration. Other medicines and Tetralysal Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: medicines to thin your blood e.g. warfarin diuretics (used to treat kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure) other medicines to treat acne. You should tell your doctor if you are taking any treatment with lithium, this medicine may increase the lithium levels. Do not take the following medicines at the same time as your Tetralysal as these could affect how well your acne medicine works. Wait at least two hours after taking Tetralysal before you take these types of products. indigestion remedies ulcer healing drugs quinapril (for high blood pressure) supplements containing calcium, aluminium, magnesium, zinc or iron. Avoid use with penicillins (another type of antibiotics), for the possible interference between the two products. Do not take antacids containing aluminum, calcium or magnesium and products containing iron salts with Tetralysal, because these products reduce the absorption of tetra line taken by mouth. This medicinal product should not be used in combination with oral retinoids (medicinal products used for certain skin conditions) or doses of more than 10 000 IU/day of vitamin A. Should not be used with methoxyflurane (risk of fatal renal toxicity). Tetralysal with food and drink Absorption of Tetralysal is not affected by moderate amounts of milk. Tetralysal capsules should always be taken with a glass of water. Fertility, pregnancy and breast-feeding Tetracyclines readily cross the placental barrier and are distributed into milk. Tetralysal must not be taken if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Use of medicines such as Tetralysal may affect the proper growth of developing teeth and lead to permanent discolouration. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines Tetralysal is not known to affect the ability to drive or use machines.