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Zineryt - Antibiotic Acne Solution
Looking for an effective treatment for your acne? Zineryt lotion is a topical antibiotic for the treatment of moderate acne. You can buy Zineryt lotion online from The Independent Pharmacy Online Doctor following a free online consultation. It cannot be bought over the counter.
Zineryt contains erythromycin and zinc acetate to help kill the bacteria that are the root cause of acne and will clear acne up in 10 to 12 weeks.
- Suitable for age:18 Years +
- Maximum per order:3
- Consultation required?YesThis treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
Type of medicine | Combination product: Antibiotic and Adjuvant |
Works by | Slowing growth of bacteria causing acne. Adjuvant (zinc) aids in antimicrobial action. |
Active ingredient | Erythromycin and Zinc acetate dihydrate |
Effective within | 10-12 weeks |
Pack size | 30ml |
Strength | Erythromycin 40mg/ml and Zinc acetate dihydrate 12mg/ml |
Common side effects | Skin irritation (redness and discomfort) |
Manufacturer | Neon Healthcare |
Generic | No |
Use with alcohol | No known effect |
Zineryt Information
What is Zineryt used for?
Zineryt Lotion is used to treat all kinds of acne, including hormonal and cystic acne, in particular, it is used to treat moderate cases of the condition.
Zineryt is manufactured by Leo Pharma and is available in 30ml and 90ml bottles. Unlike most acne treatments, Zineryt can be used during pregnancy and during breastfeeding (but it should not be used on the chest).
As a topical treatment you apply Zineryt to the affected area, where it helps to clear up the skin, get outbreaks of spots under control, and calm symptoms like redness.
Zineryt contains the active ingredients erythromycin and zinc acetate. Erythromycin is an antibiotic that helps to reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria living on the skin, whilst zinc acetate helps the skin contract and heal. These two ingredients work together to clear up acne in 10-12 weeks.
Zineryt is only available on prescription, which means you cannot buy Zineryt over the counter in the UK. You will need a doctor or pharmacist to prescribe it for you after a medical consultation.
You can buy Zineryt Lotion here at The Independent Pharmacy, following a free online consultation.
How long does Zineryt last?
Zineryt Lotion comes in 30ml quantities. You can buy up to three packs of this treatment at a time.
If you’re using Zineryt for acne, your course of treatment is normally only a period of 8-12 weeks. Your Zineryt Lotion should last you for this recommended treatment period.
If you require further supplies you can always contact one of our medical team directly.
Does Zineryt work?
Yes, Zineryt does work.
Zineryt Lotion is an effective acne treatment, containing an antibiotic (erythromycin) to kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin, and zinc acetate helps the skin contract and heal after acne breakouts.
Don’t just take our word for it — you can read what real users really think about this acne treatment over on our Zineryt reviews page. We gather customer reviews for all of our available medicines and treatments using Trustpilot, so you can trust that the customer reviews you read are honest representations of how people find using this treatment.
How does Zineryt work?
Zineryt solution attacks the bacteria associated with acne (propionibacterium). This common bacteria feeds on the sebum produced by the skin in the sebaceous glands. This feeding causes the bacteria to produce waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, causing them to become infected and inflamed. This results in acne.
Erythromycin contained in Zineryt solution is an antibiotic and works to inhibit propionibacterium’s ability to produce proteins that are essential for their production. This action stops the spread of the infection, reducing the inflammation of the sebaceous glands and allowing the skin to heal naturally. Any remaining bacteria are killed by the immune system or eventually die.
Zineryt solution also contains zinc acetate. Zinc is known for having skin-healing properties and in an acetate form it effectively combines with erythromycin to form a chemical complex. This chemical complex is designed to be efficiently absorbed by the skin.
How long does Zineryt take to work?
Some users see a difference in their skin in as little as just a few days. In fact, most users see improvements in their skin around a week into treatment.
However, it may take longer for you to see an improvement in acne — everyone is different, and the same treatment may take shorter or longer for different people.
The recommended course of treatment for using Zineryt for acne is a minimum of 10-12 weeks.
This gives the medication a sufficient amount of time to treat your acne and stop the spread of bacteria and infection, reducing inflammation of the sebaceous glands and allowing the skin to heal naturally.
Short courses of Zineryt for fewer than 10 weeks are usually less effective and are unlikely to give you an accurate picture of how effective this treatment is for clearing up your acne.
After the recommended period of 10-12 weeks, you should be able to tell whether Zineryt has helped to improve your skin.
You can then speak to your doctor or pharmacist and decide whether you want to continue using Zineryt for spots or acne.
Zineryt in pregnancy
Unlike most acne treatments, Zineryt can be used during pregnancy.
This is because Zineryt is a topical treatment, and it has no known side effects that specifically affect pregnant women.
You can also use Zineryt while breastfeeding. However, it should not be used on the chest area in these circumstances.
Despite this, If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are
planning to have a baby, it is best to ask your GP or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine. Although it is considered safe, it’s always a good idea to discuss any treatment options with your doctor or pharmacist and to choose the lowest-risk medicine possible to treat your condition during pregnancy.
Zineryt alternatives
Zineryt or Dalacin T?
Dalacin T is an antibiotic acne treatment that contains the active ingredient clindamycin phosphate, in contrast to Zineryt, which contains erythromycin and zinc acetate.
Both work by preventing acne-causing bacteria from producing proteins that are essential to them. Dalacin-T and Zineryt are very similar treatments.
Zineryt and Differin
Differin gel (or cream) contains the active ingredient adapalene, a form of vitamin A that reduces the growth of pore-blocking keratin cells. As such, it works slightly differently from Zineryt.
Differin gel also aids the skin’s natural exfoliation and is usually prescribed for mild acne. Zineryt and Differin can be used together for additive effects in moderate to severe acne.
Zineryt or Duac?
Duac gel is a topical antibiotic containing clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. Similarly to Zineryt, it’s a good choice for those who cannot take or do not like to take oral antibiotics.
Zineryt is an antibiotic lotion whereas Duac contains an antibiotic and a drying agent, this means Duac can dry the skin more than Zineryt.
Sources
- Zineryt Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5488/pil
- https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/erythromycin-with-zinc-acetate.html#indicationsAndDoses
How to use Zineryt
If you’re considering purchasing it, you may be wondering how to use Zineryt and how easy it is to use.
The instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet that is included with your treatment will tell you how to use Zineryt Lotion, so you’ll just need to read that before you start. We’ll also cover the key points below.
Here is a quick overview of how to use Zineryt:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before applying Zineryt solution
- Zineryt lotion should be applied all over the affected area, not just to the individual spots
- It should be applied twice a day, morning and evening (unless side effects are experienced at the beginning of treatment where it can be reduced to once daily and increased after a week)
- You should avoid getting Zineryt lotion in your eyes, nose or mouth, but if you do, wash the area quickly and thoroughly with lukewarm water. If the eyes continue to become irritated, consult your doctor
- If you apply too much Zineryt, blot the excess off with some tissue paper
- If you want to apply makeup when using Zineryt, ensure the Zineryt solution has completely dried before you use any cosmetics
Continue your course of treatment as recommended — this is normally around 10-12 weeks.
If you forget to use Zineryt, you should apply it as soon as you remember — a missed application can slow down acne healing. If your next application is due soon, leave at least three hours before you re-apply it.
How to mix your Zineryt solution
Zineryt needs to be mixed prior to use. This means when you first get your treatment, you will need to mix it yourself.
The contents of the packet will include a white crystalline powder and a clear colourless liquid for cutaneous solution. It will also include a dabbing applicator cap that needs to be fitted after the solution is mixed.
To prepare Zineryt:
- Remove the caps from both the powder and the solution bottles, keeping the cap of the larger powder bottle
- Pour the contents of the solution bottle into the powder bottle
- Recap the bottle using the retained powder bottle cap
- Immediately shake the mixture vigorously for one minute
- Remove and retain the cap from the thoroughly mixed solution
- Open the plastic holder containing the dabbing applicator cap assembly
- Use the plastic holder to position the applicator cap over the neck of the freshly mixed bottle
- Firmly push the applicator assembly into the neck of the bottle, ensuring the dabbing applicator fits firmly into the neck of the bottle
- Replace the retained powder cap over the dabbing applicator on the reconstituted solution
- Add the “Use Before” date to the bottle label; this date will be 5-8 weeks from the date of preparation
Ensure you read the patient information leaflet carefully prior to use. If you are confused or worried at all, speak to your pharmacist or doctor for further advice.
Zineryt ingredients
Before you use a new medicine or medical treatment for the first time, it is generally a good idea to look at the ingredients it contains, especially if you have any known allergies.
The Zineryt Lotion contains the active ingredients erythromycin (40mg/ml) and zinc acetate (12mg/ml).
Erythromycin is an antibiotic (which kills acne-causing bacteria living on the skin) and zinc acetate is a chemical complex with skin-healing properties, which helps the skin to contract and heal from acne.
Zineryt also contains inactive ingredients diisopropyl sebacate and ethanol to make up the complete product.
Please read all packaging and the Patient Information Leaflet included with your treatment before taking any new medicine.
Zineryt side effects
Like all medicines, Zineryt lotion can cause side effects in some people. However, Zineryt side effects do not affect everyone and generally tend to be mild and uncommon.
If you do experience side effects from using Zineryt Lotion, they are more likely to occur most frequently at the start of treatment. This is because your skin is getting used to this new topical treatment.
The most common side effects are:
- Temporary stinging
- Redness in the area where treatment is applied
These more ‘common’ Zineryt side effects are classified as rare, which means they may affect up to one in 1,000 people.
While Zineryt is very effective at reducing inflammatory acne and minimising redness quickly, some users may find their skin becomes dry during treatment. If you find this is the case for you while you are using Zineryt, it’s worth keeping a light, oil-free moisturiser handy to alleviate some of the dryness.
For a full list of side effects, consult the Zineryt Lotion Patient Information Leaflet that is enclosed with the treatment.
If you are concerned about Zineryt side effects, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Likewise, if you experience a worrying adverse effect which is not listed here or in the Patient Information Leaflet or effects which are severe or painful, stop taking Zineryt and speak to a medical professional immediately.
Allergic reactions & serious side effects
Contact a doctor immediately if you experience a serious skin reaction after using Zineryt, such as a red, scaly rash with bumps under the skin and blisters. The frequency of this side effect is not known (it cannot be estimated from the available data), but is thought to be very rare.
In very rare cases, It is possible for Zineryt Lotion to cause allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
If an allergic reaction occurs, you will experience symptoms including:
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty talking
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue or throat
- Changes to the skin, such as rashes, itching and red, swollen or peeling skin, including blisters
In a medical emergency such as an allergic reaction, contact the emergency services or go straight to your local A&E.
Zineryt warnings
You should not use Zineryt lotion if you:
- Are allergic to erythromycin or any of the macrolide antibiotics.
- Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Zineryt.
Contact with the eyes or the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth should be avoided.
Please read the patient information leaflet for a full list of warnings associated with Zineryt.
Zineryt Lotion reviews
Zineryt Lotion FAQs
You should not combine Zineryt with antibiotic acne treatments such as Tetralysal (lymecycline), Minocin (minocycline) or Erythromycin tablets. Zineryt can be used with other acne creams (such as those containg benzoyl peroxide), however this is not usually necessary.
Redness and irritation of the treated area can occur when you use Zineryt for the first time. This is not usually serious and normally subsides within a week. During this time reduce the frequency of Zineryt application to once daily to allow your skin to recover and then slowly build up to using it twice daily.
Zineryt is an prescription-only acne treatment. For that reason, to ensure the safety of our patients and the legal operating of our pharmacy, we only supply a maximum of 3 packs of treatment at one time. Zineryt treatment is normally only for a period of 8-12 weeks. This means that you should have enough to last you for the recommended treatment period. If you require further supplies you can always contact one of our medical team directly.
Yes, we understand that sometimes you want to get your treatment as soon as possible. If ordered before 4pm Monday to Friday, Zineryt Lotion is available for next day delivery.
Yes, as long as you are buying from a website that is a legally operating and regulated pharmacy it is perfectly safe to buy Zineryt online. The Independent Pharmacy is an NHS Online Pharmacy based in Bristol and has all the necessary regulation to be able to safely provide convenient access to genuine prescription acne treatments through our Online Pharmacy & Online Doctor.
It simple! Just select 'Start Consultation' above, you will need to fill in a simple health questionnaire so our GPs & Pharmacists can ensure it is safe for us to supply your Zineryt to you. It all takes around 3 minutes and your treatment can be delivered to your door. You cannot buy Zineryt over the counter without prescription.
Zineryt can temporarily worsen redness on your skin. However, after the course of treatment, the overall reduction in acne could lead to real improvements in redness over time.
Zineryt should be used to treat moderate to severe acne on the face, neck, shoulders or back. Moderate acne is defined by NHS Choices as where there are multiple papules and pustules (red spots and whiteheads) that are mostly confined to the face. If this describes your acne, or it is more severe, Zineryt may be a suitable treatment for your acne.
Using Zineryt should not affect the contraceptive pill.
Zineryt treatment is unlikely to be affected by alcohol consumption. You should be aware that high levels of alcohol consumption may not be good for the health of your skin and may make acne symptoms worse.
If Zineryt treatment is ineffective on your acne, there are many other options for you to try. You may wish to try a different antibiotic treatment such as Dalacin T (topical treatment) or Tetralysal capsules, or alternatively a different method with topical treatments such as Differin or Skinoren, Duac or other ointments and gels.
Alternatively, drugs such as Roaccutane (isotretinoin) can be prescribed by dermatologists as a last resort, if the acne does not respond to other treatments.
Individuals may find that their acne responds to different treatment depending on their skin type, what causes their acne and any other skin conditions they may also suffer with. It is therefore important to try a range of treatments and give them time to have an effect to allow you to find a suitable and effective treatment for your acne.
If you find treatment with Zineryt successful and your acne improves, you can slowly discontinue treatment after 12 weeks. This will allow you to see if your acne has been 'cured' or if you can keep it under control with an effective washing and cleansing regime. Some people may find that their acne returns and requires further treatment.
It is possible for Zineryt to reduce your acne to levels where it can be controlled by cleansing alone in some cases whereas for other people they may find that their acne returns after a period of time. It is generally not advised to use Zineryt for very long periods, if your acne has cleared up you should take a break from applying the solution after 12 weeks to see if they are still required and to give yourself a break from the constantly using the medication. This is because, as with any antibiotic, your body can develop a resistance, so the treatment may become less effective after a while.
Acne is most common on the face although it does also occur on the neck, shoulders and back. Zineryt can be applied to wherever there is an overgrowth of bacteria causing acne, whether it is you face, neck, shoulders or back.
The Independent Pharmacy Online Doctor service is able to prescibe Zineryt to people aged 18 years and over for the treatment of acne. If you are aged under 18, you will need to see your GP for Zineryt to ensure it is appropriate for you and your condition.
If you stop using Zineryt and your acne comes back, you may restart treatment at any point. If your condition improves then you should continue with Zineryt treatment for another 10-12 weeks however, if it is less effective during subsequent rounds of treatment you may wish to try a different acne treatment.
As well as using antibiotic acne treatment, you should also get in to the habit of cleansing the affected areas regularly. You should wash them twice daily with warm, not hot, water using a mild cleansing agent. When washing, ensure you do not scrub the area too hard so as to irritate the skin as this can make acne worse. If you use moisturisers or make-up on the affected area, try to ensure they are non-comedogenic (oil-free) so that they do not contribute to your acne.
Yes, you can wear makeup whilst using Zineryt. You should ensure that you wash and cleanse your face thoroughly before applying Zineryt to dry skin. The Zineryt solution should be allowed to dry before any make-up is applied to the affected areas of skin. It’s best to avoid oil-based makeup as it has been proven to be comedonal and can aggravate acne. This is because the excess oils, when mixed with the oil on the skin, can cause pores to block.
Zineryt comes as a separate powder and solution that needs o be mixed before it can be used. Once the powder and solution are mixed to form the useable product, Zineryt has an expiry date of 8 weeks from when it was made up. To ensure that your treatment reaches you with the longest expiry date possible, we do not mix the Zineryt solution before dispatch.
The British Association of Dermatologists provide some great information for beginners on acne and it's treatment. The Acne Academy is a great charity offering help, support and information for acne suffers as well as busting a few acne related myths!
This medication is sometimes used to treat conditions other than acne vulgaris. Rosacea and perioral dermatitis (rash of the lips or eyes) are two such conditions. Consult our Online Doctor if either of these affect you.
Zineryt works by effectively killing the bacteria that are the root cause of acne vulgaris. It does not directly help with acne scarring, though it can certainly prevent scarring and marks from occurring by treating acne.
Zineryt has a distinctive smell, but it does not bleach your clothes. This makes it suitable for use throughout the day, under clothing, or at night while you sleep.
There is no evidence to suggest that Zineryt affects the natural aging process of the skin.
The zinc acetate in this medication is an active ingredient that is proven to effectively assist with the skin-healing process.
Perioral dermatitis is a facial rash that usually occurs around the mouth. Since Zineryt lotion can be drying and is mostly used to treat acne, this wouldn’t be the recommended treatment. Something like Eumovate cream or Hydrocortisone cream would likely be prescribed instead.
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Authored by
Andy is a co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist and Director at The Independent Pharmacy.
Reviewed by
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.
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