Treclin Gel

Treclin Gel is an effective treatment for moderate acne where there may be widespread whiteheads, blackheads and several pus-filled spots (pustules). The topical antibiotic will help reduce the level of acne bacteria on the skin surface and will reduce levels of redness and inflammation of spots. Clindamycin is particularly useful for oily skin as it has a drying affect and will help to reduce sebum (grease) levels on the skin. Tretinoin will loosen the top layers of skin allowing them to gently shed and preventing the build up of spots and helping to give the skin a smoother and more toned look. It is applied at night and most be people see some benefit within a few weeks, however, it is recommended to use for at least 3 months to get the best results. Treclin can be irritating to some and we advise starting by using it every other day for the first week gradually increasing to every day thereafter.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic from the lincosamide class and it will help reduce the number of acne bacteria living on the surface of the skin. As a result, the acne bacteria are less likely to break down the sebum (grease) into free fatty acids which can irritate and inflame acne spots. Tretinoin (also known as retinoic acid) is a first-generation retinoid which works at the cellular level by binding to receptors in the skin surface where they regulate cell-turnover (increase natural exfoliation), reduce hyperkeratinisation (stop your skin cells sticking together) and therefore stop the formation of microcomedones (blackheads and whiteheads).

• Apply once in the evening to the entire affected areas of Acne.

• Ideally, apply after cleansing with an acne-friendly cleanser or lukewarm water. Pat the skin dry before applying.

• A thin film of gel should be applied, with the fingertips, avoiding the eyes and lips- if applying on the face, start with a pea-sized amount.

• When you first start using Treclin we suggest you use it on alternate days to start with for the first week to reduce the risk of irritation. Signs of improvement may be seen after 1 week but as with all acne treatments they can take up to 2-3months to have maximum effect.

• It is normal for the skin to ‘purge’ or slightly react when first using Treclin within the first few days to weeks- this will feel like mild sunburn and should settle over time. Applying a moisturiser, reducing the frequency of application or having a temporary break may help with this. If you are concerned, please seek professional medical advice.

•    Treclin can have a drying and irritating effect.

•    Treclin should not be applied to damaged skin, either broken (cuts or abrasions), sunburn or eczema.

•    Treclin should not come into contact with the eyes, lips, mouth, nostrils or mucous membranes. If product enters the eye, wash immediately with warm water.

•    In a small amount of people Treclin may cause a type of sensitivity reaction- if you suspect this is happening then stop using the product and seek urgent medical attention.

•    Excessive exposure to sunlight or UV radiation should be avoided- beware of using sunbeds or going on holiday abroad to sunnier destinations.

•    Treclin is not for use in severe forms of acne where there may be deep nodules, cysts or severe scarring- please consult your GP if you have very severe acne.

•    Do not use this product if you are allergic or suspect allergy to any of the ingredients. If you do experience and suspected side-effects e.g. a rash or irritation, then stop using and seek medical advice.

•    Do not use if pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Do not use if you have enteritis, colitis, personal or family history of skin cancer, acute eczema, rosacea or perioral dermatitis.

•    Avoid using with other medications that may dry the skin such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic acid.

•    Very rarely antibiotic associated diarrhoea and colitis have been reported with this medication- if you do suffer any of these conditions then stop the medication and seek urgent medical advice.

•    Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

•    For external use only- do not swallow and keep away from eyes.

Treclin Gel should not be used in pregnancy if planning pregnancy or if breastfeeding as it can cause harm to an unborn child. It is only safe to use by women who are using effective contraception measures which must be used during treatment and for 4 weeks after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, treatment should be discontinued immediately, and you should contact your G.P.

Active Ingredients: Clindamycin 10mg/1ml (1%)/ Tretinoin 0.025mg/gOther Ingredients: Purified Water Glycerol Carbomers Methyl Parahydroxybenzoate (E218) Propyl Parahydroxybenzoate (E216) Polysorbate 80 Disodium Edetate Citric Acid, Anhydrous Butylhydroxytoluene (E321) and Trometamol

Shelf Life: 18 months (After first opening: 3 months)

All medications and products can potentially cause side effects- If they are severe, or are mild and do not improve, then you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive so please consult the patient information leaflet for the full list.

Uncommon Side effects (affecting 0.1%-1% of people): Acne, dry skin, erythema, seborrhoea, photosensitivity reaction, pruritus, rash, exfoliative rash, skin exfoliation, sunburn, Application site reaction including burning, dermatitis, dryness and erythema.

There are many other Acne treatments available which are listed in our Acne guide. If you need help choosing, then start a quick questionnaire-based consultation or book in for a friendly telephone or video consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists.