Treclin is a topical gel which is used to treat moderate acne. It contains two types of medicines: Tretinoin which is a retinoid and an antibiotic called Clindamycin. The treatment is suitable for adolescents and adults over the age of 12.
As a dual treatment, Treclin works in two ways. The antibiotic component stops the bacteria which causes acne from growing, reducing the inflammation of the skin. Tretinoin causes the skin cells which clog up the pores to shed, preventing sebum (oils) from building up. In turn, this stops new spots from forming. Combined, these two medicines are highly effective in treating acne.
Treclin usually takes several weeks to start to work so you won't notice a difference immediately. It works best with daily use.
Treclin gets rid of acne by killing off the bacteria that causes acne while simultaneously shedding skin cells which block the pores. This prevents excess oils from building up and new spots from appearing.
The main cause of acne is hormonal changes or imbalances. This can happen at any age, being brought on by puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Adult acne most commonly affects women but men can experience it too. Genetics can also influence acne. If your parents had acne then you are more likely to get it too.
Treclin is effective in treating mild to moderate acne. Severe acne will usually need a combination of oral antibiotics or Isotretinoin and a suitable acne gel or cream. Severe acne is characterised by cysts and nodules which are large and often painful. Nodules grow underneath the skin and feel like hard lumps and cysts are large, oval shaped spots which resemble boils. They are usually filled with pus.
Treclin is a combination medicine which contains an antibiotic called Clindamycin alongside Tretinoin. The Gel is applied directly to the skin to treat and reduce the appearance of acne.
Treclin is not a steroid. It contains two types of medicines: a retinoids and an antibiotic.
Treclin is designed to treat existing acne and helps to prevent new spots from forming. It cannot treat acne scars which are already present but it can help to prevent acne from causing new scars.
The active ingredients contained in Treclin are Clindamycin and Tretinoin.
The other ingredients in Treclin are: purified water, glycerol, carbomer, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), polysorbate 80, disodium edetate, anhydrous citric acid, propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), butyl Hydroxytoluene (E321), trometamol.
Treclin should be applied directly to clean, dry skin before you go to bed. Gently squeeze out a pea-sized amount of Treclin gel, rubbing it all over your face. The gel should be spread thinly. Using more gel will not make your acne disappear any faster and can cause redness and irritation. If you have just applied the gel, wash your face with a mild soap or cleanser and warm water. If you experience these side effects, stop using Treclin until they disappear.
The recommended Dosage of Treclin is a pea-sized amount once a day.
Treclin should be used for a period of 10-12 weeks. Always use it for the length of time your doctor or pharmacist has prescribed, even if your symptoms improve before that. If you stop the treatment early, your acne is likely to return.
If you forget to use Treclin, skip the missed dose and apply the next one at your usual time. Do not use double the amount to make up for missing a day.
Using too much Treclin can cause irritation, redness and peeling. If you have just applied the gel, use a mild soap or cleanser and warm water to wash your face. Should you experienced any side effects, stop using Treclin until they ease off. Occasionally, using too much Treclin can upset the stomach. In this case, stop the treatment and see your doctor for advice.
Possible side effects may include:
Redness
Dry skin
Acne
Oily skin
Itching
Rash
Photosensitivity
Sunburn
Hypersensitivity
Underactive thyroid (this causes fatigue, feeling weak, pale skin, weight gain)
Headaches
Eye irritation
Gastroenteritis
Nausea
Inflamed skin
Cold sore
Burning sensation
Do not use Treclin if you:
Are pregnant
Trying to get pregnant
Are breastfeeding
Are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine
Are allergic to Lincomycin
Have inflammatory bowel disease
Have a history of colitis and with adverse effects from antibiotic treatment
Have ever experienced skin cancer or have a family history of it
Have acute eczema
Have Rosacea
Have any other inflammatory skin conditions
Have severe, cystic acne
The following precautions should be taken while using Treclin:
Avoid the medicine coming into contact with the mouth, eyes or sensitive areas of skin
If you experience ongoing diarrhoea or abdominal discomfort stop using the medicine and seek advice from your doctor
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial light and use SPF 30 when going outdoors
If you get sunburnt, stop using Treclin until it heals
Do not apply any other products to the skin at the same time as Treclin
Do not use any skin products or treatments alongside Treclin which contain:
Sulphur
Salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide
Rescinol
Chemical abrasives
Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are using anything containing these ingredients. They will inform you when you can safely start using Treclin.
Medicated cleansers, soaps or solutions should not be used alongside Treclin. Care should be taken if you use:
Abrasive cleansers
Products with a high alcohol concentration
Astringents
Products containing spices
Products containing lime
If you are taking any of the following medications, ask your doctor for advice before using Treclin:
Erythromycin
Metronidazole
Aminoglycosides
Other types of antibiotics
Corticosteroids
Muscle relaxants
Warfarin
Other blood thinners
Treclin is not safe to use during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding. If you are trying to get pregnant, avoid using Treclin and consult your doctor for a suitable alternative.
Treclin will not affect your fertility but if you are a women trying to have a baby, the use of this medicine can cause harm to an unborn baby.
Drinking alcohol will not interact with Treclin.
The first line of treatment for mild acne is usually over-the-counter products. There are a range of creams and gels containing the active ingredient Benzoyl peroxide. If these prove to be ineffective, or your acne is severe, then you doctor can prescribe you with prescription medication. This may include:
Topical retinoids
Topical antibiotics
Antibiotic tablets
The combined contraceptive pill (for women)
Azelaic acid
Isotretinoin tablets
There are six types of spots associated with acne:
Blackheads- these may be black or yellow in colour which is caused by trapped hair and bacteria in the hair follicles
Whiteheads- Similar to blackheads but do not contain pus and may be firmer
Papules- these are small bumps which are red in appearance and can feel tender
Pustules- small red bumps with a pus-filled centre
Nodules- these are large, painful lumps that build up underneath the skin's surface
Cysts- resembling boils in appearance, these are large, pus-filled lumps and the most severe type of acne
Treclin is only available on prescription and cannot be purchased over-the-counter. It is available from Dr Felix after a short online consultation.
NHS> Acne https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/
Patient Information Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5371/pil
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