Zindaclin 1% Gel (For Perioral Dermatitis)

Zindaclin 1% Gel contains the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate, which is used to treat many bacterial infections, including destroying the acne bacteria found on human skin- Propionibacterium acnes. It will help to reduce the number of blackheads, whiteheads and pus-filled spots on the skin. It is recommended to use another non-antibiotic topical treatment along with Zindaclin in order to reduce antibacterial resistance and improve effectiveness- for example it can be combined with Benzoyl Peroxide (Acnecide Gel), Retinoids (Epiduo or Differin) or Azelaic Acid (Skinoren). An improvement in acne symptoms should be noticed within a few weeks however it is recommended to be used consistently each day for a minimum of 3 months for best results.

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.

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

• 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.

• Use for a minimum of 4 weeks for maximum results. If the condition goes away after finishing the course, but comes back now and again, the course can usually be repeated. If the condition keeps coming back frequently when the medication has been stopped, then consider only using the medication 2-3 days per week to keep it at bay.

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

•        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.

•        This product contains 20% ethanol which is equivalent to roughly 0.2g of alcohol.

•        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.

We would not advise to use this medication in pregnancy or breastfeeding as there are probably safer and more effective alternative treatments available in these situations. See our Acne guide for more information on treating acne in pregnancy.

Active Ingredients: Clindamycin Phosphate 1%.Other Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Ethanol, Zinc Acetate, Hydroxyethylcellulose and Sodium Hydroxide.

Shelf Life: 2 years.

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.

Common Side effects (affecting 1%- 10% of people): Dry skin, Erythema, Skin burning, Irritation around eyes, Acne exacerbation, Pruritis
Uncommon Side effects (affecting 0.1%-1% of people): Painful skin, Scaly rash

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.