Zineryt is a topical prescription-only medication applied directly to the skin to treat acne. It contains erythromycin, an antibiotic that helps reduce the growth of bacteria on the skin, and zinc acetate, which has anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the affected areas, Zineryt can help clear up acne pimples and reduce inflammation. It is often prescribed to pregnant women as part of an acne treatment plan.

What kind of medication is it?

Zineryt is a topical medication, which means it is applied directly to the skin. It comes in the form of a solution or lotion to be used externally on the affected skin areas. As a combination product, Zineryt contains 2 active ingredients:

• erythromycin, an antibiotic
• zinc acetate, which has anti-inflammatory properties

This combination helps deal with both the bacterial aspect of acne as well as any inflammation it causes.

Zineryt is a dual-action acne treatment that works by targeting both the bacterial infection and any inflammation to promote clearer skin. It contains a combination of erythromycin and zinc acetate. Erythromycin is an antibiotic that works by stopping the growth of bacteria, including the bacteria causing acne. Zinc acetate has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help to reduce inflammation and redness on the skin.

How long does it take Zineryt to work?

Zineryt works within 8 to 10 weeks to significantly reduce the number of spots caused by acne when it is used twice a day consistently. Some people may notice an improvement in their skin’s appearance within a few weeks of starting treatment, but the full benefits are achieved by sticking to the full course, which is usually between 10 and 12 weeks.

If you do not see any improvement after the full course of treatment, you should consult one of our doctors for further advice so they can make appropriate adjustments to your acne treatment plan.

How effective is Zineryt?

Zineryt can reduce the number of inflammatory acne lesions by almost 78% after 8 weeks, compared with just 36% with erythromycin alone. Several clinical trials have shown Zineryt to be an effective treatment for acne. How effective it is will vary depending on factors such as the severity of your acne, your skin type, and how well you’ve followed your treatment schedule. It is important to remember that people respond to medications differently, so Zineryt may be more effective for some than others.

Zineryt should be applied twice daily to affected and surrounding areas. Before applying Zineryt, wash the affected area of your skin and dry it before application.

To apply Zineryt, unscrew the cap and turn the bottle upside down. Use the provided applicator pad to apply a thin layer of Zineryt to the affected areas of your skin as well as the surrounding skin. Avoid getting the solution in your eyes, mouth, or inside your nose. Allow the solution to dry before applying any other skincare products or makeup.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and apply Zineryt as prescribed. Applying more Zineryt than prescribed will not help clear up your acne faster, but you will be more likely to experience side effects.

You can buy Zineryt online or from a local pharmacy, providing you have a prescription from a doctor.

Can I buy Zineryt online?

Yes, Zineryt is available from Superdrug Online Doctor. You can use our acne assessment service to access an appropriate prescription and advice from one of our doctors.

Can I buy Zineryt over the counter?

No, Zineryt is a prescription-only medication. That means it is not available over the counter, so you will need to consult with a healthcare professional, dermatologist, or GP before you can buy it.

Can I get Zineryt on the NHS?

Yes, Zineryt is available on the NHS, but you will need a prescription from your GP.

Like any medication, Zineryt can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them.

Side effects which may affect 1 out of 1,000 to 1 out of 10, 000 people:

• temporary stinging or slight redness of the skin
• itching
• dry skin

In rare cases, Zineryt can cause allergic reactions including a rash, itching, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or lips and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these side effects, please seek medical attention immediately.

If you have a very painful burning sensation or rash after using Zineryt which does not stop within a few hours or gets worse after every use, stop using Zineryt and contact your doctor.

How long do Zineryt side effects last?

How long your side effects last will depend on the kind of side effects you’re getting, but they should stop if you stop using Zineryt. If you get side effects that are bothering you too much, speak to your doctor before continuing treatment.

What to do if you get Zineryt side effects?

If you get any mild, temporary Zineryt side effects, you can manage them by reducing the number of times you apply the solution or using supportive skincare products to protect your skin. You only need to apply a thin layer of Zineryt, so be careful not to apply too much solution, as this can cause irritation. Here’s how you can manage the following side effects:

• skin dryness and irritation – cut down the number of times you apply Zineryt per day to once until the irritation passes, then slowly increase to twice a day and use a light, non-comedogenic (doesn’t block pores) moisturiser to treat dryness
• stinging or redness – slight stinging and redness are normal at the start of treatment and should go away within a week, but if it doesn’t try reducing the number of times you apply the lotion per day or spread out the application times

If you get any side effects from using Zineryt that are not going away or you are struggling to deal with, it is important to contact your doctor who can assess the severity of the side effects and decide the best course of action. They may recommend adjusting the usage frequency or stopping the use of Zineryt.

If you experience an allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, mouth, lips or tongue, and/or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

Zineryt may not be right for everyone, as certain conditions or certain medications can interact with Zineryt and make it less effective, or potentially unsafe. Always speak to a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before beginning to use Zineryt, and tell them if you are taking, have recently taken or may soon take other medications.

Do not use Zineryt:

• if you are allergic to erythromycin, zinc acetate, di-isopropyl sebacate, or ethanol
• if you are allergic to antibiotics of the macrolide group

If you are not sure whether you have allergies to these things, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Cross resistance can occur between Zineryt and other antibiotics of the macrolide group, as well as with clindamycin and lincomycin. Avoid contact with your eyes and the inside of your nose and mouth. If Zineryt comes into contact with these areas, rinse them immediately with cold or lukewarm water for several minutes.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

Zineryt can be used safely if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. However, you must not use Zineryt on your chest if you are breastfeeding.

There are several alternative treatment options for acne if Zineryt is not suitable or effective for you. Some acne medications, which are also applied directly to the skin and offered by Superdrug Online Doctor, include:

• Acnecide
• Differin (cream or gel)
• Duac Gel
• Epiduo Gel
• Finacea Gel
• Treclin Gel

A doctor can help find the right acne treatment for you, and with our acne assessment service, they can evaluate your symptoms without the need to book an appointment or travel to a doctor's surgery.

Zineryt vs Duac

Clinical studies have shown that Zineryt can help to reduce acne lesions and improve overall acne symptoms. One study found that Zineryt was more effective at reducing the severity of acne and number of acne lesions than Eryderm, a product containing a lower dose of the active ingredient erythromycin. Zineryt has also been found to reduce production of sebum, which is thought to cause acne.