How does it work?

Tetracycline is a type of antibiotic that has activity against a wide variety of bacteria, including the bacteria associated with acne, Propionebacterium acnes. This is a common type of bacteria that feeds on sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, making them inflamed and causing spots. Tetracycline works by preventing the bacteria from producing proteins essential to the bacterial cell. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, replicate and increase in numbers. By controlling bacterial numbers, the inflammation of the sebaceous glands is brought under control, and the skin is allowed to heal.

What is it used for?

Acne vulgaris

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

Avoid contact of this medicine with the eyes and the moist membranes lining the inside of certain parts of the body, eg mouth, nasal passages (mucous membranes). Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.

This medicine may leave a yellow colour on the skin it is applied to, which may stain clothing or bed linen. You can avoid staining of fabrics by lightly washing the affected skin one hour after applying the solution.

There may be an abnormal reaction of the skin to sunlight (photosensitivity, eg a rash) while using this medicine. Avoid exposing the affected area(s) of skin to sunlight, particularly if you have fair skin.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Not to be used in

Allergy to other tetracycline antibiotics, eg doxycycline, minocycline

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be used with caution in nursing mothers, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Discuss this with your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Skin rashes

Stinging or tingling of the skin at the site of application

Skin discolouration at application site

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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