Lymecycline is an antibiotically active drug from the tetracycline group. A synonym for lymecycline is lymecyclinum.
What is lymecycline?
Lymecycline is an antibiotic drug and can inhibit the proliferation of acne bacteria in the sebaceous glands of the skin and in hair follicles. Lymecycline is a semisynthetic tetracycline derivative. The drug thus belongs to the group of antibiotics and may only be taken on the prescription of a doctor. Tetracyclines are a group of antibiotic drugs whose original substance was produced from bacteria of the Streptomyces group. Most tetracyclines, as well as lymecycline, are derivatives of this substance that have been chemically modified. They usually have more favorable pharmacokinetics. This means that they are easier to apply and that absorption and distribution in the body are better. In addition, lymecycline is better tolerated than the original form of tetracyclines. Lymecycline is available in the form of capsules in drug stores. The active ingredient is mainly used to treat acne (acne vulgaris).
Pharmacological action
Lymecycline can inhibit the proliferation of acne bacteria in the sebaceous glands of the skin and in hair follicles. Tetracyclines such as lymecycline have a bacteriostatic effect. This means that although they do not kill the existing bacteria, they prevent further growth. Lymecycline binds to the so-called 30s subunit of ribosomes in bacterial cells. Ribosomes are cell organelles that are responsible, among other things, for the translation of RNA. By binding to the 30s subunits, the antibiotic agents modify the attachment of aminoacyl-tRNA. The aminoacyl-tRNA cannot align properly by blocking the subunit at the level of the 50s subunit. Thus, the peptidyltransferase reaction, which is important for propagation, cannot be carried out properly. Peptidyltransferase catalyzes the peptide bonds between the individual amino acids in the ribosome. It thus ensures that the amino acids supplied by the transport RNAs during translation are linked. If this reaction is inhibited, the peptide chain breaks off during protein synthesis. This inhibits bacterial growth and stops multiplication. In principle, tetracyclines are effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Cell wall-less bacterial genera are also sensitive to tetracyclines. Lymecycline is most effective against Propionibacterium acnes.
Medicinal use and application
Propionibacterium acnes is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that is part of the skin flora. The bacterium was also formerly known as Bacillus acnes or as Corynebacterium acnes. It is involved in the development of acne. The bacterium lives mainly in the sebum of hair follicles and especially in the follicles of the sebaceous glands. It possesses the enzyme lipase and can thus use components of the sebum for energy production. This enables the bacterium to multiply rapidly. However, when the sebum is utilized, substances that promote inflammation are produced. Chemotaxis leads to an accumulation of white blood cells in the tissue. As the immune cells die, pustules filled with pus form. These pustules are a major symptom of acne vulgaris. Lymecycline inhibits the proliferation of acne bacteria in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. This prevents the development of pustules, cysts and of inflammatory pustules.
Risks and side effects
The drug lymecycline requires a prescription. It should not be prescribed in cases of known tetracycline hypersensitivity. The active ingredient may bind to calcium in the body, causing it to be deposited in bone- and tooth-forming tissues. This can cause temporary growth disorders, which can also lead to malformation of the tooth enamel. Furthermore, unsightly tooth discoloration can occur. Tetracyclines such as lymecycline must therefore not be used in children under eight years of age and in pregnant women. Lymecycline must also not be taken during breastfeeding. The drug must not be taken at the same time as oral retinoids. Among the retinoids are some drugs that are also used in the treatment of acne. Long sunbathing should be avoided while taking lymecycline. Skin redness may occur under direct sun or UV irradiation.In addition, the effect of blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) may be increased by taking lymecycline, so that bleeding may occur. Patients taking antacids for stomach problems must not take these acid-binding drugs together with lymecycline. The antacids interfere with the absorption of lymecycline into the blood. Headache, upper abdominal pain, and nausea may occur when taking lymecycline. Occasionally, meaning in about one in 100 people, a skin rash develops. Seizures, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, pharyngitis, dermatitis, and muscle pain are also among the occasional side effects. In rarer cases, serious generalized allergic reactions may occur. The face, including the eyes and lips, may swell. Swelling may spread to the tongue and throat. Life-threatening choking can be the result. Furthermore, increased intracranial pressure, inflammation of the intestines, inflammation of the tongue, visual disturbances and fever may occur while taking lymecycline. If skin rashes and allergic manifestations occur, treatment with lymecycline must be discontinued immediately. For all other side effects, the treating physician should be informed as soon as possible.
