A tetracycline antibiotic
Clomocycline
A tetracycline antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections and acne.
What is Clomocycline?
Clomocycline is an antibiotic from the tetracycline family, used for certain bacterial infections and for acne. It works by stopping bacteria from growing. Like other tetracyclines, it can stain developing teeth, so it is avoided in pregnancy, in women who are breastfeeding, and in young children. It can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so sun protection is sensible. It should be taken separately from dairy products, antacids and iron, as these bind to it and stop it being absorbed.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Clomocycline — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Clomocycline is an antibiotic in the tetracycline family. It is taken by mouth and is used to treat a range of bacterial infections and, like other tetracyclines, to help treat acne by reducing the bacteria and inflammation involved. Tetracyclines are a long-established group of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Like all antibiotics, clomocycline works only against bacteria and has no effect on viruses such as colds or flu.
How it works
Clomocycline works by blocking the machinery bacteria use to make the proteins they need, which stops them growing and multiplying so the body can clear the infection. In acne, it helps by reducing the bacteria on the skin and calming the inflammation that drives spots, which is why it is taken as a course over time rather than as a quick fix. Because it binds tightly to minerals such as calcium, iron and the metals in antacids, taking it alongside these can stop it being absorbed, so timing matters.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Generic manufacturers.
An antibiotic from the tetracycline family, used in the UK for certain infections and for acne.
What it treats
Conditions Clomocycline is used for
Practical use
How to take Clomocycline
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Take it with plenty of water, sitting or standing upright, to avoid throat irritation.
- Keep it well apart from milk and dairy, antacids, and supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium or zinc, as these stop it being absorbed.
- Protect your skin from strong sunlight, as it can make you more likely to burn.
- If you are taking it for acne, keep going for the full course, as it can take several weeks to work.
- Do not take it if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or for young children, because of the risk of tooth staining.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Clomocycline
Advantages
- An effective broad-spectrum antibiotic for certain infections.
- A useful oral treatment option for acne, reducing bacteria and inflammation.
- A long-established medicine with decades of experience behind its use.
Disadvantages
- Can stain developing teeth, so it is avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding and young children.
- Can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Must be taken apart from dairy, antacids and iron, which takes some planning.
Practical use
Good to know
A few tetracycline-specific points are important with clomocycline. It can stain teeth that are still forming and affect developing bones, so it is avoided in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and in young children. It can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is wise to protect your skin and avoid sunburn and sunbeds while taking it. It also binds to dairy products, antacids, and supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium or zinc, all of which stop it being absorbed, so it should be taken at a different time from these — usually a couple of hours apart. To reduce the risk of throat irritation it is best taken with plenty of water and while sitting or standing upright. When used for acne, it needs to be taken for several weeks before the full benefit is seen.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- It should not be taken in pregnancy or while breastfeeding, because of the risk to developing teeth and bones.
- It should not be given to young children, for the same reason.
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to tetracyclines should not take it.
- It is used with caution in people with significant liver or kidney problems.
Monitoring
- Reviewing whether the infection or acne is responding to treatment.
- Watching for skin reactions to sunlight.
- Checking liver function during longer courses where appropriate.
Side effects
- Nausea, stomach upset or diarrhoea.
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, with a risk of sunburn.
- Throat irritation if not taken with enough water while upright.
- Rarely, allergic reactions or, with long use, effects on the liver, which need medical attention.
Key interactions
- Milk and dairy, antacids, and iron, calcium, magnesium or zinc supplements bind to it and stop it being absorbed, so keep them apart.
- It may affect the action of some other medicines, such as certain blood thinners, so tell your prescriber what you take.
- Some other medicines can interact with tetracyclines, so always share a full medicines list.
Available as: Tablets taken by mouth.
Answers
Clomocycline: frequently asked questions
What is clomocycline used for?
It is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections and to help treat acne by reducing the bacteria and inflammation involved.
Why can't pregnant women or children take it?
Like other tetracyclines, it can stain developing teeth and affect growing bones, so it is avoided in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and in young children.
Why must I take it away from milk and antacids?
Dairy, antacids and supplements containing iron, calcium, magnesium or zinc bind to clomocycline and stop it being absorbed, so take them a couple of hours apart.
Will it make me sensitive to the sun?
It can make your skin more likely to burn in sunlight, so protect your skin and avoid sunbeds while taking it.
How long does it take to work for acne?
When used for acne it can take several weeks before the full benefit is seen, so it is important to keep taking it as prescribed.
The wider class
About Tetracycline antibiotic
Clomocycline belongs to the tetracycline antibiotic class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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