Lymecycline

Lymecycline
Systematic (IUPAC) name
(2S)-6-[[[(Z)-[(4S,4aS,5aS,6S,12aS) -4-(dimethylamino)-6,10,11,12a-tetrahydroxy-6-methyl-1,3,12-trioxo-4,4a,5,5a-tetrahydrotetracen-2-ylidene]-hydroxymethyl]amino]methylamino]-2-aminohexanoic acid
Clinical data
AHFS/Drugs.com International Drug Names
  • ?
oral
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability 100% (oral)
Metabolism ?
Half-life 10 h
Excretion renal
Identifiers
992-21-2 Yes
J01AA04
PubChem CID 24757945
DrugBank DB00256 Yes
ChemSpider 20121315
UNII 7D6EM3S13P Yes
KEGG D06884 Yes
Chemical data
Formula C29H38N4O10
602.63
 Yes (what is this?)  (verify)

Lymecycline is a tetracycline broad-spectrum antibiotic marketed by the pharmaceutical company Galderma. It is approximately 5,000 times more soluble than tetracycline base and is unique amongst tetracyclines in that it is absorbed by an active transport process across the intestinal wall, making use of the same fast and efficient mechanism by which carbohydrates are absorbed.[1]

The greater absorption of lymecycline allows for lower dosages to be used; the standard dose of 408 mg is equivalent to 300 mg tetracycline base and, in its action, to 500 mg tetracycline hydrochloride. Lymecycline, unlike tetracycline hydrochloride, is soluble at all physiological pH values.

History

Lymecycline was released onto the pharmaceutical market in 1963.

Indications

Lymecycline, like other tetracyclines, is used to treat a range of infections. Its better absorption profile makes it preferable to tetracycline for moderately severe acne and typically prescribed for 8 weeks at a time, but alternatives should be sought if no improvement occurs by 3 months.[2]

Lymecycline capsules

Side effects

Lymecycline's side effects can include rash, headache, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, nausea, vomiting, dermatitis, dysphasia, inflammation of the liver, hypersensitive reactions, and visual disturbances. When taken for a long period of time, it can cause reflux oesophagitis.[3]

Recent studies found a possible link between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Lymecycline, particularly Ulcerative Colitis.[4]

References

  1. New Zealand Datasheet August 2003
  2. British National Formulary 45 March 2003
  3. Dr Wang, Peter. "Side effects of Tetralysal". Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  4. Margolis, David J; Fanelli, Matthew; Hoffstad, Ole; Lewis, James D (2010). "Potential Association Between the Oral Tetracycline Class of Antimicrobials Used to Treat Acne and Inflammatory Bowel Disease". The American Journal of Gastroenterology 105 (12): 2610–6. doi:10.1038/ajg.2010.303. PMID 20700115.

See also