You have probably come across this prescription in the treatment of acne. But does it work? Read on to unpack more about this medication, including little-known Seysara side effects and other details worth your attention.
Is Seysara an antibiotic?
Millions of people struggle with acne, with the most attacked age being 11-30. An acne breakout can affect many areas of one’s life, including self-esteem and gut bacteria.
Seysara is a tetracycline antibiotic that is used in the treatment of severe acne vulgaris in adults and children at least nine years of age.
This antibiotic can only treat bacterial infections and will not work for viral infections like the common cold.
How does Seysara work?
It is not known how exactly this antibiotic works. However, according to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, generally, tetracycline antibiotics work by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause acne.
Additionally, it may also lessen the redness and swelling that are caused by acne lesions.
Is Seysara the Same as Doxycycline?
Seysara is an antibiotic like doxycycline and was approved by the FDA for treating acne in 2018. Both two medications are in the same tetracycline class.
Additionally, Seysara has a modified structure which compares it to other tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline. This is also the reason behind its different pharmacologic properties.
It contains a narrower antimicrobial spectrum than minocycline and doxycycline, with less activity against enteric gram-negative bacteria.
As a result of the above, Seysara will have reduced gastrointestinal microbiome effects in quantities recommended for treating acne.
How Long Does it Take Seysara To Work?
Seysara is preferred in treating acne because it is less likely to eliminate the good bacteria in your body. It is also less likely to cause fewer side effects while reducing the bacteria that cause acne.
A study published by the National Library of Medicine indicated that 22.6% of patients taking Seysara had clear or almost clear skin after 12 weeks.
However, according to the medicine’s website, it is unclear whether taking Seysara for more than three months is safe.
If you have just started on it, you might be able to see the results as early as three weeks.
How Do I Take Seysara?
Seysara is administered orally as a pill, and experts recommend that you take it with a glass of water to avoid stomach irritation.
Based on your weight, there are currently three doses of Seysara. These are as follows.
- 60mg
- 100mg
- 150mg
With the help of your dermatologist, you will be able to find the right dosage. This medication is also different from other antibiotics because it can be taken with or without food.
Who Is Not Safe To Take Seysara?
Generally, Seysara was originally made for people with acne and is safe for most people aged 9-30. However, some clinical studies have found the drug effective for people up to 45 years of age.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, the following people should not take this medicine:
- Pregnant women or breastfeeding women. This is because the drug can harm the baby and can be transmitted to the baby via breast milk.
- Children under nine years of age.
- Those who are allergic to the tetracycline class antibiotics, which the drug falls under.
- Those with a history of oesophageal issues.
What Are the Drug Interactions of Seysara?
Inasmuch as Seysara is a great medicine to fight the bacteria that cause acne, the drug has powerful properties. Due to this, mixing it with other medications can lead to dire reactions.
If you are taking this medicine, consider avoiding the following medication:
- Avoid coadministration of Seysara and oral retinoids because tetracyclines can increase intracranial pressure like oral retinoids.
- Strontium, which is important for bone health and osteoporosis.
- Similar strong antibiotics like penicillin. This is because Seysara may interfere with the bactericidal function of penicillin.
- The cholera vaccine. This is because it can affect effectiveness.
- Anticoagulants because Seysara may depress the plasma prothrombin activity. This may, in turn, increase the risk of bleeding in patients who are on anticoagulant therapy.
Additionally, for optimal absorption of Seysara, consider waiting for 2-3 hours after taking supplements or medication that contain the following:
- Aluminium
- Milk
- Iron
- Calcium
- Zinc
- Magnesium
What Are the Pros of Seysara?
- The drug only has one dose per day.
- You can choose whether to take the drug with or without food.
- This drug may have lower risk side effects compared to similar acne treatments.
- This drug is okay for people with mild or moderate liver or kidney issues.
10 Little-Known Seysara Side Effects
Like every medicine, there are risks and benefits. Even if this drug is effective, it has several side effects. Below are 10 little-known Seysara side effects that you should expect:
Causes slow bone growth
This is among the major Seysara side effects in children taking the medicine. However, slow bone growth can be reversible after the completion of treatment.
Causes diarrhea
As with most antibiotics, diarrhea is among the common Seysara side effects. The diarrhea is a result of an intestinal infection. Make a point of reaching out to your doctor if you spot watery or bloody stool.
Causes intracranial pressure
Most people also experience increased pressure around the brain (intracranial pressure) as one of Seysara side effects. You will most likely get this side effect if you are a female with childbearing potential and are overweight.
You will likely experience this if you have an intracranial pressure history.
Causes permanent teeth discoloration
Permanent teeth discoloration is among the common Seysara side effects, especially in children developing teeth.
May cause infertility in males
Although rarely, some males can experience infertility as one of Seysara side effects. Sarecycline can cause reproductive risks in males.
In animal samples, sarecycline greatly affected spermatogenesis when administered orally at 8 times the maximum recommended amount.
To be safe, consider avoiding this medication if you are a male attempting to conceive.
May harm the unborn baby
If you are pregnant, one of Seysera side effects you might experience is harm to your unborn child. This treatment may lead to slow bone development and discoloration of your baby’s teeth later in their development.
If you get pregnant while on this medication, stop immediately and contact your doctor.
May cause infections
The prolonged use of Seysara may lead to one of the common Seysara side effects, such as vaginal yeast infection or thrush.
Call your doctor immediately if you notice white patches in your mouth or a change in the color of your vaginal discharge.
May cause allergic reactions
Allergic reactions are one of Seysara side effects that rarely hit Seysara users.
However, make point of reaching out to your doctor if you notice adverse allergic reaction symptoms such as fever, lymph node swelling, or rush.
May lead to light sensitivity
If you are taking this medicine, light sensitivity is among the side effects that you may experience. This medicine can make your skin sensitive to the sun and cause major sunburns.
Causes dizziness and lightheadedness
Seysara may lead to lightheadedness or dizziness, where you feel like the room is spinning. Due to these side effects, avoid activities that require full attention, such as driving.
Conclusion
Do not engage in activities that require your full attention immediately after you start your Seysara medication, at least until you know the side effects it has on you.
Additionally, if you are allergic to Seysara, don’t worry; your doctor can prescribe alternatives like minocycline and doxycycline.
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