Aknemycin Plus Solution

What is Aknemycin Plus?

Aknemycin Plus is a prescription-only topical solution used to treat moderate to severe acne. It contains two active ingredients: erythromycin, an antibiotic that reduces the bacteria causing acne, and tretinoin, a form of vitamin A that helps to unblock pores and reduce inflammation. Together, these ingredients work to decrease acne-causing bacteria, reduce inflammation, and prevent new acne lesions from forming. Aknemycin Plus is typically applied directly to the skin, targeting affected areas to improve the appearance and health of the skin over time.

How does Aknemycin Plus work?

Aknemycin Plus works by combining the effects of two active ingredients, erythromycin and tretinoin, to effectively treat acne:

1. Erythromycin: This is a macrolide antibiotic that targets and kills the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) responsible for causing acne. By reducing the bacterial population on the skin, erythromycin helps to decrease the infection and inflammation associated with acne.
2. Tretinoin: This is a retinoid derived from vitamin A. Tretinoin promotes the turnover of skin cells, which helps to unclog pores and prevent the formation of new acne lesions. It also helps to reduce the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) by preventing dead skin cells from accumulating and blocking hair follicles.

By combining these two mechanisms, Aknemycin Plus not only treats existing acne but also helps to prevent future breakouts, leading to clearer and healthier skin. The dual action of antibacterial and pore-clearing effects makes it a comprehensive solution for managing moderate to severe acne.

Main Benefits of Aknemycin Plus

• Effective Acne Treatment: Combines erythromycin and tretinoin to effectively target and treat moderate to severe acne.
  
• Bacterial Reduction: Erythromycin helps to reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin, decreasing the likelihood of infection and inflammation.
• Unclogs Pores: Tretinoin promotes skin cell turnover, helping to clear and prevent clogged pores, which reduces the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
• Prevents New Breakouts: Regular use helps to prevent new acne lesions from forming, maintaining clearer skin over time.
• Reduces Inflammation: Both active ingredients work to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne, leading to a calmer complexion.
• Improves Skin Texture: By promoting the turnover of skin cells, tretinoin helps to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
• Comprehensive Treatment: The combination of antibacterial and exfoliating effects makes it a well-rounded solution for managing various types of acne.
• Prescription Strength: As a prescription-only medication, it offers a potent solution for those who have not had success with over-the-counter treatments.

Aknemycin Plus Alternatives

Aknemycin Plus is a topical retinoid applied directly to the skin. It helps by balancing the excessive production of skin cells, removing dead skin cells, and thus keeping your pores clear. The other topical treatments available for your acne are:

• Topical antibiotics – these kill the bacteria on your skin that are responsible for infecting your clogged hair follicles. These include Zineryt and Dalacin T.
• Other topical treatments - these work in a similar way to Epiduo by reducing the build-up of dead skin cells, helping to keep your pores clear and therefore stopping blackheads and whiteheads. These include Acnecide and Differin. They are suitable for mild to moderate acne and can be combined with antibiotics for a greater effect.
• Azelaic acid (Skinoren) – this removes your dead skin cells and kills Propionibacterium acnes
• Antibiotic tablets – often used together with other acne treatments that don't contain antibiotics, help kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce redness and swelling from acne. These are suitable for moderate to severe acne and include Tetralysal and Oxytetracycline. Oral antibiotics work well with Epiduo to reduce severe acne.

Alongside the available prescription treatments for acne, there are a number of natural remedies that you can use to tackle your acne. You should also establish good skincare routines and make sure that you are:

• Cleansing your skin
• Exfoliating your skin
• Moisturising your skin
• Avoiding excessive sun exposure

You can read more about preventing acne on our advice page.

How to use Aknemycin Plus

To use Aknemycin Plus effectively, follow these steps:

1. Cleanse Your Skin: Wash your face or the affected area with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry. Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying the medication.
2. Apply the Solution: Use the applicator to apply a thin layer of Aknemycin Plus to the entire affected area. Avoid applying it to healthy skin or broken skin.
3. Frequency of Use: Typically, Aknemycin Plus is applied once daily, usually in the evening. Follow your doctor's specific instructions regarding the frequency and timing of application.
4. Avoid Sensitive Areas: Do not apply Aknemycin Plus to the eyes, mouth, nostrils, or mucous membranes. If the solution accidentally gets into these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.
5. Wash Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the medication to avoid accidentally transferring it to other areas of your body.
6. Be Consistent: Use the medication regularly as prescribed by your doctor to achieve the best results. Do not use more than recommended, as this will not speed up the treatment and may increase the risk of side effects.
7. Sun Protection: Tretinoin can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors, and avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning beds.
8. Follow-Up: Monitor your skin’s response to the treatment and follow up with your doctor regularly to assess the effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

If you experience any severe side effects or irritation, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

Aknemycin Plus ingredients

Aknemycin Plus contains the active ingredients: 40 mg of erythromycin and 0.25 mg of tretinoin.

It contains the inactive ingredients: Ethanol, glycerol, copolyvidone

Aknemycin Plus side effects

1. Skin Irritation: Redness, itching, and burning sensation at the application site.
2. Dry Skin: Dryness or peeling of the skin where the medication is applied.
3. Erythema: Redness of the skin, particularly in the treated areas.
4. Scaling: Flaking or scaling of the skin.
5. Stinging or Burning: Mild stinging or burning sensation when the medication is first applied.
6. Increased Sensitivity: The skin may become more sensitive to sunlight and other environmental factors.

These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve as your skin adjusts to the medication. However, if you experience severe irritation or an allergic reaction, such as swelling, severe redness, or difficulty breathing, you should discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any persistent or bothersome side effects.

Ensure you read the Patient Information Leaflet before using Aknemycin Plus so you are aware of all the possible adverse effects.

Aknemycin Plus warnings

1. Allergic Reactions: Do not use Aknemycin Plus if you are allergic to erythromycin, tretinoin, or any other ingredients in the formulation. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
2. Skin Sensitivity: Aknemycin Plus can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
3. Avoid Certain Products: Do not use other acne medications or skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, hair removal products, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime, unless directed by your doctor.
4. Application Instructions: Apply only to the affected areas of the skin as directed. Avoid applying to healthy skin, broken skin, or mucous membranes, including the eyes, mouth, and inside of the nose.
5. Use with Caution: Be cautious when using Aknemycin Plus if you have eczema, sunburn, or other skin conditions. Consult your doctor if you have any of these conditions before using the medication.
6. Initial Irritation: Mild irritation, redness, and peeling are common initially but usually decrease with continued use. If severe irritation occurs, stop using the product and consult your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Aknemycin Plus should not be used during pregnancy. Speak to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using Aknemycin Plusif you are breastfeeding.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly for full details of warnings and precautions associated with this medicine.

Patient Information Leaflet

Before using Aknemycin Plus, it is important to read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment.

Sources

• Patient leaflet
• Patient.info