Duac – composition, action, application, contraindications, side effects

Proven content

Duac is a specialized anti-acne drug available in the form of a gel. Two active substances are responsible for its healing properties: clindamycin and hydrogen peroxide. Duac gel is primarily used to treat mild to moderate acne vulgaris. What are the contraindications to using Duac gel? Can its use cause side effects? How much does Duac gel cost and are there any substitutes for it?

Duac – general characteristics of the drug

Duac Gel is a medicine used to treat acne vulgaris. This gel is available only by prescription. It shows, above all, antibacterial and sebum normalizing properties. The main ingredients of Duac gel are clindamycyna i benzoyl peroxide.

There are currently two versions of Duac gel available in pharmacies:

1. (10 mg + 30 mg) / g – package containing 30 g and 60 g of gel;
2. (10 mg + 50 mg) / g – package containing 5g, 6g, 15g, 25g, 30g, 50g, 55g, 60g and 70g of gel.

Duac is a white to light yellow gel. The gel is sold in tubes of various capacities. The available capacities are indicated above.

The responsible entity is Stiefel Laboratories Legacy (Ireland) Ltd. Stiefel is a leading global skin health treatment and research company. It conducts research, innovates and develops to provide effective care treatments for healthcare professionals, patients and consumers. The origins of Stiefel in Europe date back to 1847. It was the first specialist dermatology company to export its products worldwide. Over 170 years later, Stiefel offered its customers many effective prescription and daily skin care products. These preparations help millions of people to treat and alleviate skin conditions. The manufacturer of the Duac gel is GlaxoSmithKline Trading Services Limited.

What is acne vulgaris and how to treat it? Check: Common acne

Duac – composition and action of the drug

Duac gel is a gel that contains two active ingredients: clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide. 1 g of gel contains 10 mg of clindamycin and 30 or 50 mg of benzoyl peroxide.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that exhibits antibacterial properties, especially against gram-positive Propionebacterium. This bacterium feeds on sebum, producing fatty acids and waste products that irritate the sebaceous glands. Clindamycin works by inhibiting bacterial protein biosynthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit and interfering with protein chain elongation.

After oral administration, clindamycin is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, the maximum concentration in the blood is reached after 1-2 hours. Clindamycin is metabolised in the liver, two of the metabolites are pharmacologically active. The drug is mainly excreted in the bile and partly in the urine.

Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidizing compound that has a local anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-seborrhoeic, mildly keratolytic, drying, local anesthetic and antipruritic effect, stimulates granulation and collagen synthesis. It helps prevent the formation of pimples and fight the existing ones. It is also characterized by a strong bactericidal effect.

Benzoyl peroxide in addition releases oxygen free radicals capable of oxidizing bacterial proteins, inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Under the influence of benzoyl peroxide, the secretion of sebum and free fatty acids is reduced. When applied to ulcers, it improves the skin’s oxygen supply. The antibacterial effect appears quickly and lasts for about 48 hours.

In summary, the clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide contained in Duac:

1. fight the bacteria responsible for the occurrence of acne;
2. heal open and closed blackheads as well as pustules and papules;
3. reduce the number of red, inflamed pustules and papules found in acne.  

In addition, Duac gel contains glycerol, carbomer 940, dimethicone, colloidal hydrated silica, poloxamer 182, sodium hydroxide, disodium edetate, disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate and purified water.

Where do the pimples on the back come from and how do I get rid of them? Read: Pimples on the back – causes, treatment, home remedies

Duac – indications for the use of the drug

Duac gel is intended for the treatment of simple to moderate acne vulgaris. It is especially recommended when acne is accompanied by inflammatory skin changes. It works in three ways: bactericidal, anesthetic and antipruritic. Duac gel can be used in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.

Is it worth using an antibiotic for acne? Check: Antibiotic for acne

Duac gel – contraindications to the use of the drug

Duac gel, despite its effectiveness in the treatment of common acne, cannot be used by every patient struggling with this type of ailments.

Duac gel cannot be used if you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, benzoyl peroxide or any of the excipients of this preparation.

The gel should not be used when other antibiotics, cosmetics that strongly dry the skin and suffocating soaps are used.

It should not be used by pregnant women and during breastfeeding. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

The drug cannot be used on irritated skin or with sunburns.

What is inverted acne and how to recognize its symptoms? Read: Inverse acne – characteristics, symptoms and treatment methods

Duac – precautions

Before and during the use of Duacin gel, follow the precautions included in the package leaflet.

Precautions to keep in mind include:

1. Duac gel should not be rubbed into the skin intensively, as this may lead to its irritation;
2. the gel can discolor hair and colored fabrics;
3. the maximum duration of use of Duac gel or ointment should not exceed 12 weeks;
4. do not use the drug on irritated skin, e.g. if there are cuts, abrasions, sunburn or if the skin is damaged;
5. the gel should only be applied to the skin. Avoid contact of the drug with the eyes, lips or mouth, or the inside of the nose;
6. do not use too much Duac gel on sensitive areas of the skin;
7. most treated people may experience reddening and peeling of the skin during the first few weeks of treatment. If the skin has become irritated, you may need to apply a non-greasy moisturizer;
8. if the skin irritation is severe and there is severe redness, dryness, itching, stinging or burning, stop using Duacin and see your doctor;
9. the use of Duac gel may make the skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Avoid using the solarium and minimize exposure to the sun. While using Duac Gel you should use creams with a UV filter and protective clothing.

In addition, the following cases require consultation with a doctor:

1. the following gastrointestinal diseases have occurred in the patient: enteritis, ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-related colitis;
2. experiencing stomach pain or diarrhea that does not go away or gets worse. In this case, stop using Duacin and see your doctor immediately. Antibiotics can cause diseases characterized by severe diarrhea and abdominal pain, but are unlikely to occur after applying antibiotics to the skin;
3. recent use of medicines containing clindamycin or erythromycin, as there is an increased risk that Duac Once Daily Gel will not work as well for you as it should. 

Keep the drug out of the sight and reach of children. The gel should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius. It should not be frozen. After receiving Duac gel from the pharmacist, the patient should not store the drug above 25 degrees Celsius. The gel should be discarded after 2 months. The drug must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. It’s best to ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use.

What should you know about proper drug storage? Check: Medications that are stored wrongly are poisonous

Duac – dosage and method of use

Always use Duac Gel exactly as described in the package leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Duac gel should be applied to the affected skin once a daypreferably in the evening. The effect of Duac gel can very often be noticed only after 2 to 5 weeks of regular use. However, it is worth remembering that the Duac gel should not be used for more than 12 weeks. The doctor will determine the duration of the treatment.

It is very important to apply the gel properly to the skin. Apply a thin layer of Duac gel on clean, gently dried skin:

1. first, make-up must be completely removed from the surface of the treated skin;
2. the treated skin should be thoroughly washed, rinsed with warm water and gently dried with a towel;
3. a small amount of gel should be applied with your fingertips to the entire treated skin;
4. the gel should be applied to the entire surface of the treated skin, and not only to single acne lesions. If the gel does not absorb easily, you have used too much gel;
5. to cover the face, use the amount of gel that is between the tip of the finger and the first joint – this is the amount corresponding to the fingertip;
6. to cover the face and back, use an amount corresponding to a maximum of two and a half fingertips;
7. if the skin becomes very dry or starts to peel, you can use a non-greasy moisturizer;
8. wash your hands after using the gel;
9. once the gel dries, you can apply non-greasy makeup. 

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Duac gel – improper use of the drug

Applying more than the recommended dose of the drug or omitting the indicated dose during the day is considered inappropriate use of Duac gel.

Do not use excessive amounts of Duac gel. Using too much gel or applying it more frequently than recommended will not heal acne faster and may irritate the skin. If an excessive amount of the gel has been used, the frequency of application of the gel should be reduced or its use should be interrupted for a few days and then treatment should be resumed.

If the gel is swallowed, consult a doctor. Side effects similar to those of oral antibiotics may occur.

Do not use the gel for more than 12 weeks in a row, unless your doctor tells you to. Take Duac Once Daily Gel for as long as your doctor recommends. Do not stop treatment unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

How to take medication correctly? Check: How to take medications effectively?

Duac – side effects

The use of Duac gel, as with any other drug, may cause side effects in patients. It is important to report any suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.

The frequency classification of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare (≥ 100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop taking the drug and consult your doctor immediately:

1. signs of an allergic reaction, e.g. swelling of the face, eyes, lips or tongue, hives or difficulty breathing, fainting;
2. severe or prolonged diarrhea or abdominal cramps;
3. severe burning, itching or peeling.

Conversely, if the patient notices any of the symptoms listed below, the frequency of treatment should be reduced or the treatment should be discontinued for 1-2 days, and then treatment should be resumed.

Very common side effects after using Duac gel (more than 1 in 10 patients):

1. at the site of application of the drug: redness, peeling, dry skin. These side effects are usually mild.

Common side effects after using Duac gel (less than 1 in 10 patients):

1. Headache;
2. at the site of application of the drug: burning, hypersensitivity to sunlight, pain.

Uncommon side effects after using Duac gel (less than 1 in 100 patients):

1. pins and needles (paraesthesia), worsening of acne, red itchy skin, rash (dermatitis, rash erythematous).

Other side effects that have occurred in a very small number of people using Duac Geland their frequency is unknown.

1. allergic reactions;
2. inflammation of the intestine, diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain;
3. at the site of application: skin reactions, skin discoloration, raised, itchy rash (hives).

What factors influence the appearance and development of acne? Check: Five factors that contribute to the development of acne

Duac gel – interactions with other drugs

Before starting treatment with Duac Gel, please inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medicines you are taking or have recently taken and used. You should also inform what medications the patient plans to take in the near future.

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines, as simultaneous use with Duac Gel may cause skin irritation:

1. other acne medications, including antibiotics that are applied to the skin;
2. exfoliating and healing soaps and cleansers;
3. soaps and cosmetics with a strong drying effect;
4. medications containing large amounts of alcohol or astringents;
5. other medicines containing erythromycin;
6. dapsone or sulfacetamide – simultaneous use may change the color of the skin or facial hair for a while. This is not a permanent effect;
7. drugs used in general anesthesia.

In addition, the use of Duac gel may make some concomitant medications less effective. These include some acne medications that are applied to the skin with tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene.

It is very important to provide information on the use of the above-mentioned drugs. It may be necessary to use them at different times of the day – e.g. one in the morning and the other in the evening.

Using other acne medications at the same time as Duac gel may increase the possibility of skin irritation. Discontinue use of the drug and consult a physician in the event of severe skin irritation. The concern should be raised, among others, by severe redness, dryness, itching, stinging or burning.

Which drugs should never be combined with each other? Check: Dangerous interactions

Duac and pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of any medications or dietary supplements during pregnancy requires consultation with the attending physician. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Duac gel.

In the case of pregnancy, it is the doctor who decides whether the benefits for the patient resulting from the use of the drug during pregnancy outweigh the risks for the child.

If you are breastfeeding, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

It is not confirmed whether the ingredients of Duac Once Daily Gel pass into breast milk. However, Duac Gel should not be applied to the skin of the breasts while breastfeeding.

What is worth knowing about proper supplementation during pregnancy? Check: Conscious choices. Diet and supplementation in pregnancy

Duac — dinner

The price of the Duac gel may differ depending on the city in which the preparation will be purchased or the pharmacy chosen by the patient. Duac can be purchased in the form of a gel or ointment. In both cases, it is available only by prescription. The amount you will have to pay for Duac gel depends on the capacity of the package. However, this gel is one of the more expensive products – 15 g of gel costs about PLN 50, and the largest capacity of the Duac drug is over PLN 120.

How to effectively cure acne? Read: Struggling with acne? These six steps will help you heal him

Duac – replacements

Products that have the same international name and exist in the same form do not have to be substitutes, because the use of a given drug is determined by the content of the active substance, i.e. the dose of the drug.

It should be remembered that even when the dose of the active substance is similar, the patient may not always use the substitute, because he may be allergic to any of the other excipients of the drug.

Duac gel is available in pharmacies only with a valid prescription. Quite often, patients ask for possible substitutes that do not require a prescription.

Unfortunately, there are no over-the-counter substitutes for Duacin. The preparation contains two active substances: benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. Medicinal products containing benzoyl peroxide that are available over the counter in pharmacies are:

1. Akneroxid 5;
2. Akneroxid 10;
3. Benzacne.

There is only 1 over-the-counter preparation available with clindamycin – Mediq Skin Plus point gel.

Can zinc paste help with acne? Read on: Zinc paste – application, indications, method of use. Zinc paste and acne