Treclin Gel

What is Treclin Gel?

Treclin Gel is a brand of medication that contains two ingredients; clindamycin and tretinoin. Clindamycin is an antibiotic, whilst tretinoin is a retinoid, and the two drugs work together to reduce the symptoms and appearance of acne. The topical antibiotic works by limiting the growth of bacteria that’s responsible for acne and also reduces the inflammation caused by it, whilst the retinoid promotes normal skin cell growth and helps the shedding of cells that clog hair follicles and aggravate the condition. It also prevents the buildup of sebum, which is another contributing factor in the production of acne lesions.

Treclin gel is a popular dual action response to acne, and the two drugs work best when combined in a medication like this rather than being used separately.

Can I use Treclin Gel?

The good news is that most people are able to use Treclin Gel, even if this means taking care when using it. However, some people should speak to their local pharmacist or own doctor before deciding whether to begin treatment with Treclin, or seek other options. Those that should seek medical advice on the drug include those who:

• Are pregnant
• Are planning a pregnancy
• Have an allergy to any ingredients in Treclin Gel
• Have an allergy to lincomycin
• Have a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s Disease)
• Have a history of colitis associated with taking antibiotics
• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Are currently suffering with acute eczema
• Have rosacea
• Have any other acute inflammatory conditions of the skin
• Suffer with certain forms of acne characterised by pustular and deep cystic nodular acne lesions

If none of the above conditions or complains apply to you, it should be safe to assume that you can use Treclin gel, though you may want to modify your skincare routine whilst undergoing treatment.

Does Treclin Gel interact with anything?

It’s always important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any and all other medicines you’re taking. This includes herbal remedies and non-prescription medications such as paracetamol or hay fever medications. There may be a new interaction that your doctor might advise you to be careful about. There are some medicines that you should take care with if you’re already taking these and plan to use Treclin Gel. These include:

• Erythromycin
• Metronidazole
• Aminoglycosides
• Other antibiotics
• Corticosteroids
• Neuromuscular blocking medicines
• Anticoagulants

You should also avoid using products containing any of the following ingredients on your skin:

• Sulphur
• Salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Resorcinol
• Chemical abrasives
• Medicated soaps
• Alcohol
• Astringents
• Lime
• Spices

This includes cosmetics and skin lotions. Always check the ingredients and make sure they won’t interact with Treclin gel or cause adverse effects/worsen your condition.

What are the side effects of using Treclin gel?

Although it’s a topical treatment, Treclin gel can still cause side effects (mostly local and concentrated to the area of application). You should familiarise yourself with the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication, just so you’re aware of all of the possible side effects and risks that the medication might cause. Some of the most common complaints or symptoms from those using Treclin Gel include:

Despite the fact that many of these side effects sound unpleasant, you should try not to worry too much about them. Some people don’t experience any symptoms at all, whilst others only notice mild side effects. It’s up to you to determine whether the benefits of the medication are worth the side effects or whether you want to stop or seek a different treatment. You will only know how the medication affects you once you start using it.

How long does Treclin Gel take to work?

As with most topical acne treatments, it can take a while for results to show. The medicines in the gel need time to work and break down the bacteria that’s causing the symptoms. The average length of treatment is around 12 weeks, though your doctor may decide to extend this is they feel it will be beneficial to you.

How do you use Treclin Gel?

Treclin Gel is usually applied once a day, at night time or before you go to bed. Before each application, you should wash your face and dry it with a clean towel. Apply a pea sized amount of gel to the tip of your finger and dab it on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin before spreading it evenly around the whole of your face, taking care to avoid direct contact with the eyes. You should repeat this process each night for as long as your doctor tells you to.

What happens if I use too much Treclin gel?

Using more product won’t make your acne disappear any faster, but it might increase the risk of adverse effects. Some people that have used too much product have also reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea. Try to stick to the right amount of product each night for the best results.