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 that is meant to be used externally on the affected areas of the skin. As a combination product, Zineryt contains 2 active ingredients: erythromycin, an antibiotic, and zinc acetate, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This combination helps deal with both the bacterial aspect of acne as well as any inflammation.

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. The combination of erythromycin and zinc acetate in Zineryt provides a dual-action approach to treat acne, targeting both the bacterial infection and any inflammation to promote clearer skin.

How long does it take Zineryt to work?

How quickly Zineryt works can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the acne being treated. Some people may start to see improvements in their acne within a few weeks of using Zineryt, while for others, it may take longer. It is important to use Zineryt consistently as per the instructions provided to give it the best chance to work effectively. If you do not see any improvement after the full course of treatment, you should consult one of our doctors for further evaluation so they can make appropriate adjustments to your acne treatment plan.

How effective is Zineryt?

Zineryt can be an effective treatment for acne. How effective it is will vary depending on factors like the severity of your acne, the type of skin you have, and how well you’ve followed your treatment schedule. It is important to remember different people respond to medications in different ways, so Zineryt may be more effective for some people than others.

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. Another study found that Zineryt and another product called Duac were both effective treatments for acne, but that Duac improved symptoms sooner. Duac is also a prescription-only medicine available through Superdrug Online Doctor.

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.

Zineryt is also 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 up to 1 out of 1,000 people:

• temporary stinging or slight redness of the 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 experience any side effects from using Zineryt, 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 to stop using 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 medicines.

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 a number of alternative treatment options available for acne if Zineryt is not suitable or effective for you. Some acne medicines 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.