Treclin

What is Treclin?

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.

How does Treclin work?

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. 

How long does Treclin take to work?

Treclin usually takes several weeks to start to work so you won't notice a difference immediately. It works best with daily use.

How does Treclin get rid of acne?

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.  

What causes adult acne?

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. 

Will Treclin get rid of severe acne?

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. 

Is Treclin an antibiotic?

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. 

Is Treclin a steroid?

Treclin is not a steroid. It contains two types of medicines: a retinoids and an antibiotic. 

Treclin for acne scars

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. 

Active ingredients

The active ingredients contained in Treclin are Clindamycin and Tretinoin. 

Inactive ingredients

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. 

How to use Treclin

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.

How long should I use Treclin for?

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. 

What should I do if I forget to use Treclin?

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. 

What should I do if I use too much Treclin?

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

Contraindications

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 

Drug Interactions

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 

Can I use Treclin during pregnancy?

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. 

Will Treclin affect my fertility?

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. 

Can I drink alcohol while using Treclin?

Drinking alcohol will not interact with Treclin. 

Alternatives to 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  

What are the different types of acne?

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 

Is Treclin available over-the-counter?

Treclin is only available on prescription and cannot be purchased over-the-counter. It is available from Dr Felix after a short online consultation. 

Sources

NHS> Acne https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/

Patient Information Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5371/pil