What is Duac acne gel?
Duac Akne Gel is a prescription drug for external treatment of acne vulgaris. It contains two active ingredients which complement one another in their action: the antibacterial benzoyl peroxide and the antibiotic clindamycin.
The gel is applied once a day to the affected areas of the skin and combats both acne bacteria and clogged pores. The combination of two active ingredients allows more effective treatment as single active ingredients alone.
Duac is made by GlaxoSmithKline and is approved for the treatment of light to moderate acne vulgaris.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Benzoylperoxid 5%, Clindamycin 1%
The two active ingredients in Duac have different mechanisms:
Benzoyl peroxide (5%):
- Antibacterially works by releasing oxygen
- Kills the acne bacteria Propionibacterium acnes
- Has a slightly peeling (keratolytic) effect
- Helps to open blocked pores
- There are no resistances
Clindamycin (1%):
- Antibiotics from the group of lincosamides
- Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis
- Reduces inflammatory reaction
- additionally acts antibacterially against P. acnes
Synergy effect: The combination is more effective than the individual active ingredients and the benzoyl peroxide reduces the development of antibiotic resistances against cllindamycin.
Who is it suitable for?
Duac Akne Gel is suitable for:
- Young people and adults with light to medium acne vulgaris
- Patients with inflammatory acneforms (papers, pustules)
- First or second line therapy for acne
Especially suitable for:
- Inflammable acne with red pimples
- Mixed skin with clogged pores
- If other local treatments do not work enough
More suitable for:
- Very dry or sensitive skin
- Heavy cystic acne (sometimes systemic therapy is required here)
- allergy to benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin
Available Dosages
Concentration of active substance:
- Benzoyl peroxide: 50 mg/g (5%)
- Clindamycin: 10 mg/g (1%)
Pack sizes:
- 15 g tube
- 30 g tube
- 60 g tube
Application frequency: Once a day, preferably in the evening before bed.
How to Take
Application: 1. wash face thoroughly with mild cleaner Two. Let skin dry ( wait about 10-15 minutes) 3. Apply thin layer gel to the affected areas 4. Treating the entire affected area, not only individual pimples Five. Fully let in
Time: Apply once a day. In morning use, the gel can irritate the skin more strongly together with sunlight.
Language: The application should be limited to a maximum of 12 weeks to avoid antibiotic resistance. If necessary, a non-antibiotic preparation can then be further treated.
Important notes:
- Avoid contact with eyes, mouth and mucous membranes
- Benzoyl peroxide can bleach textiles (towels, pillowcases, clothes)
- No other irritating products at the same time
- Use sun protection during the day
Contraindications
**Duac must not be applied at:* *
- hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin or lincomycin
- Prehistory of antibiotic-related colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)
- Application to open wounds or hurt skin
- In the area of eyes, mouth and mucous membranes
Preview at:
- Very sensitive or atopic skin
- Simultaneous application of other local acneums
- tilt to eczema
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (only after consultation)
Not in combination with:
- Erythromycin (topic or systemic) – can eliminate the effect
- Other local retinoids without medical instruction
Possible Side Effects
Very common (>10%):
- dry skin
- Skin scaling
- Erythem
- Burning or stealing during use
Acid (1-10%):
- Itching
- Contact dermatitis
- Deterioration of acne at the beginning
- Sunburn-like reactions
Occasionally:
- Allergic skin reactions
- Swelling
Selten:
- Pseudomembranous colitis (for longer use over large areas)
Conversion with side effects: In case of severe skin irritation, reduce the application to every second day or temporarily pause. A non-comedogenic moisturizer can help.
Interactions
Not combine with:
- Erythromycin (topic or systemic) – antagonistic action
- Isotretinoin topic – enhanced skin irritation
- Other topical antibiotics without consultation
Preview with simultaneous application of:
- Other local acne supplements (adapals, tretinoin) – Irritation can increase
- Alcohol-containing products – increased drying
- Peelings or abrasives
Recommendation: If retinoids are to be used at the same time, best use in time (e.g. retinoid in the morning, duac in the evening) or according to medical instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Duac acne gel right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.