Duac Gel is a topical medication used to treat acne. It combines two active ingredients: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. These two ingredients work together to reduce acne by targeting different causes of acne development. Duac is an acne-preparation that gets rid of spots by reducing whiteheads and blackheads
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What is Duac gel (3%,1%) or (5%,1%)
Duac gel is an acne-preparation that gets rid of spots by reducing whiteheads and blackheads as well as stopping bacteria that encourages the formation of acne.
How is Duac gel applied?
After removing any makeup and washing the face, apply a thin film of Duac gel each evening to the affected area. Avoid any contact with the eyes, mouth, lips and nostrils and wash your hands after applying the gel.
How does Duac gel work?
Duac gel contains two active ingredients, clindamycin phosphate (1%) and Benzoyl Peroxide (3%) or (5%) which work together to combat acne in two different ways. Clindamycin is an antibiotic which stops the bacteria that cause acne. Benzoyl Peroxide kills these bacteria too, but also breaks down blackheads and whiteheads reducing acne and inflammation across the affected area.
Is Duac gel effective?
The combination of the two active ingredients in Duac gel can make it an effective treatment for acne. It can take 2-6 weeks before you start to see any effect of the acne treatment, but it should not be used for more than 12 weeks at a time.
Is it safe to use Duac gel during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
You should not use Duac gel if you think you might be pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Will Duac gel interact with other medications?
Duac gel should not be used at the same time as products that contain the antibiotic erythromycin, any products applied to the skin that contain tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene. The same applies for medications taken orally that contain isotretinoin (such as the branded product Roaccutane).
Alternative treatments for acne
There are a variety of other acne treatments that can be taken, including a range of other acne creams, as well as combination packages of oral antibiotics and gels or creams.
Application: Duac Gel should be applied to the affected areas once daily, typically in the evening, after cleansing your face. You need to apply a thin layer to the acne-prone areas, avoiding sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes.
Consistency is Key: It can take 2-4 weeks to start seeing results, and full improvement may take several months. It's important to use the gel consistently as directed to get the best results.
Skin dryness or irritation: Some users experience peeling, redness, or burning, especially during the first few weeks of use. This is common with benzoyl peroxide and should improve as your skin adjusts.
Nausea or stomach upset: Although less common, some people may experience mild nausea or upset stomach from the clindamycin component, particularly if they are prone to digestive issues.
Active ingredients
Clindamycin and hydrous benzoyl peroxide. 1 g of gel contains 10 mg (1 % w/w) clindamycin as clindamycin phosphate and 30 mg (3 % w/w) anhydrous benzoyl peroxide as hydrous benzoyl peroxide.
Inactive ingredients
Carbomer, dimeticone, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, disodium edetate, glycerol, silica (colloidal hydrated), poloxamer 182, purified water and sodium hydroxide
Information leaflet
Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment. View patient information leaflet.
Duac 3%,1% (https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3238.pdf)
Duac 5%,1% (https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6.pdf)
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