AboutNigel Simmons Expertise I am happy to answer general questions on medicines and hospital care. If possible, please use approved / chemical names rather than brands which are not internationally recognised.
Like all health professionals I am bound by a duty of care which prevents me giving detailed information about medication or treatment of people other than the questioner.
I will endeavour to help wherever possible or point towards more appropriate advice. If however your question crosses too far into patient confidentiality, I hope you will understand why I cannot answer your question.
Consider.. would you want me to discuss your care with a friend or relative without your knowledge?
Experience Registered as a UK pharmacist in 1982 and have worked in a number of hospital and health management posts around the UK. Formerly Chief Pharmacist for a 440 bed general hospital in Cambridgeshire.
Past/Present clients Previously Sysop on CompuServe UK Professionals forum.
Question My 12yr old daughter is on Erythromycin for acne which is not helping at all. Her brother is on lymecycline which has worked wonderfully. I want my daughter to go onto this antibiotic but am concerned as she still has baby teeth. Is that a problem?
Answer Deb
The general recommendation is that tetracycines should not be given to children under the age of 12 because of the risk of tooth discolouration. However tetracyclines are very effective at helping clear acne, so it is a tough call.
My suggestion would be for your daughter to try using alternative treatments first, antispetic skin washes, topical antibiotics (erythromycin or tetracycline) to see if these help. If she has tried all these, then Lymecycline is probably the best option. If used for a short period until the acne is under control, the risk of discolouring teeth will be small.
