From the Guidelines
Lymecycline is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to tetracyclines, severe renal impairment, and in children under 12 years due to potential dental discoloration and enamel hypoplasia, and its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential effects on fetal bone development and excretion in breast milk 1, 2, 3, 4.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracyclines
- Severe renal impairment
- Children under 12 years due to potential dental discoloration and enamel hypoplasia
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential effects on fetal bone development and excretion in breast milk
Drug Interactions
- Reduced effectiveness when taken with antacids, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc supplements, or dairy products, which should be taken at least 2 hours apart
- Decreased effectiveness of oral contraceptives, potentially leading to unplanned pregnancy
- Increased effects of anticoagulants like warfarin, requiring closer INR monitoring
- Concurrent use with retinoids (isotretinoin) increases the risk of benign intracranial hypertension
- Enhanced effects of drugs metabolized by certain liver enzymes, potentially increasing toxicity of medications like digoxin These interactions occur because tetracyclines chelate with metals, affect gut flora that metabolize estrogens, and compete for protein binding or hepatic metabolism with other medications 5.
Key Considerations
- Monitor patients closely for signs of adverse reactions or interactions
- Adjust doses or discontinue use as needed to minimize risks
- Consider alternative treatments or therapies when necessary to ensure patient safety and effectiveness of treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
Contraindications This drug is contraindicated in persons who have shown hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines The contraindications for lymecycline are:
- Hypersensitivity to any of the tetracyclines The FDA drug label does not provide information on potential drug interactions for lymecycline 6
From the Research
Contraindications for Lymecycline
- Lymecycline is contraindicated in women during the last six months of pregnancy or in children under the age of eight years 7, 8
- Patients with severe blood, kidney or liver disease should exercise caution when using lymecycline, as tetracyclines can exacerbate these conditions 7
Potential Drug Interactions
- Lymecycline may interact with other medications, such as antacids, which can reduce its absorption 9
- Patients with renal insufficiency may require adjusted dosages of lymecycline to avoid toxic reactions 7
- Lymecycline may also interact with other antibiotics, such as penicillins, and sulfonamides, which can increase the risk of adverse reactions 10, 7