Lymecycline is usually prescribed in capsule form and your doctor will tell you how and when to take it. The tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Milk and other dairy products may affect the way in which the body absorbs lymecycline but studies show that a moderate amount of milk is not likely to be a problem. You can take food at the same time as you take lymecycline.
Your doctor will tell you how many capsules of lymecycline to take each day. Normally this will be 1 or 2. Try to take your medicine at the same time each day. This helps you to remember to take the tablets every day.
It is important to use any other acne treatments that are prescribed by your doctor alongside lymecycline. This is usually a cream or gel that you rub onto the affected areas of skin. Normally you will only need to do this once a day. In most cases this will be before bedtime.
How long can you take lymecycline for?
Your doctor will tell you how long it is safe for you to take lymecycline. Normally you will be prescribed lymecycline for 8 to 12 weeks. It can take some time to work and may be prescribed for longer if your acne is more severe. You should only take lymecycline for as long as your doctor tells you to. As with other antibiotics, long term use of lymecycline is not usually recommended.
The most common creams and gels prescribed alongside lymecycline are Epiduo and Differin.
How to use Epiduo
Epiduo gel should be rubbed onto the skin affected by acne once a day before you go to bed.
Epiduo is normally used as follows:
- Clean and dry your skin before using Epiduo
- Use a mild soap and gently pat your skin dry to avoid irritation
- Thinly apply a covering of the gel to areas affected by acne
Epiduo can be applied to the chest, face, or back. Do not apply Epiduo to areas of broken, sensitive, or sunburnt skin. Also avoid getting the gel on your eyelids, mouth, lips or nose. Wash any of the cream off gently with warm water if you do get it onto these areas.
Only apply Epiduo once a day. The gel will not work more effectively or any faster if it is applied more times than it is prescribed.
How to use Differin
Your doctor will tell you how to use Differin cream but usually it is applied once a day as follows:
- Apply Differin to your skin once a day before you go to bed
- Clean and dry your skin before using the cream
- Use a mild soap and gently pat your skin dry
- Use a thin layer of the cream to cover the area of skin affected by acne
- Wash your hands after you are done
Do not use Differin on sunburnt, broken, or sensitive skin and avoid your eyelids, mouth, lips, and nose. Wash any of the cream off gently with warm water if you do get it onto these areas. Differin should only be used as prescribed and only applied to your skin once a day. It will not work any faster or more effectively if you do.
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