Treclin Gel is a prescription medication used to treat acne, particularly in cases where other treatments have not been effective. It combines two active ingredients: clindamycin, an antibiotic that helps reduce the bacteria that cause acne, and tretinoin, a form of vitamin A that promotes skin cell turnover, helping to clear blocked pores and prevent new spots from forming. Treclin Gel is typically applied once daily to the affected areas of the skin. It’s important to use it consistently as directed by your doctor for the best results.
Dr Sarah Thornton MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction
GP, Medical coach
What is Treclin gel?
Treclin Gel is a topical prescription medication used to treat acne. It contains two active ingredients: clindamycin and tretinoin. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that helps reduce the bacteria responsible for causing acne, while tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that promotes the turnover of skin cells, helping to clear blocked pores and reduce the formation of new acne lesions. Treclin Gel is typically applied once daily to the affected areas of the skin and is intended for use in individuals 12 years of age and older. It is particularly useful for treating moderate to severe acne that has not responded to other treatments.
What is the active ingredient in Treclin gel?
Each gram of Treclin Gel contains the following active ingredients:
10 mg (1%) of clindamycin (as clindamycin phosphate)
25 mg (0.025%) of tretinoin
What is Treclin gel used for?
Treclin Gel is used to treat moderate to severe acne, particularly in cases where other treatments have not been effective. It is designed to reduce the number of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads by targeting the bacteria that contribute to acne and promoting the turnover of skin cells to prevent clogged pores. Treclin Gel is typically prescribed for use on the face and is suitable for individuals aged 12 years and older.
How does Treclin gel work?
Treclin Gel works through the combined actions of its two active ingredients: clindamycin and tretinoin.
Clindamycin: Clindamycin is an antibiotic that targets the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which is commonly associated with acne. By inhibiting the growth of this bacteria, clindamycin reduces inflammation and helps prevent the formation of new pimples and pustules.
Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that promotes the turnover of skin cells. It works by increasing the rate at which new skin cells replace old ones, helping to prevent pores from becoming clogged with dead skin cells and oil. This action reduces the formation of blackheads and whiteheads and improves the overall texture of the skin.
Together, these ingredients help to clear existing acne and prevent new breakouts from forming, leading to smoother and clearer skin over time.
How do you use Treclin gel?
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has instructed. If you're unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Recommended Dose:
Apply a pea-sized amount of Treclin once daily at bedtime.
How to Apply:
Wash your face gently with mild soap and warm water, then pat dry with a towel.
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of gel onto your fingertip.
Dab the gel onto your forehead, chin, nose, and both cheeks, then gently spread it evenly over your entire face.
Avoid using more than the recommended amount, as excessive application may cause skin irritation and will not improve results.
Treatment Duration:
For best results, continue using Treclin as directed, even if your acne starts to improve. It may take several weeks to see optimal effects, with some cases requiring up to 12 weeks. If your symptoms persist after 12 weeks, consult your doctor for a re-evaluation.
If You Use More Treclin Than Recommended:
Using more than instructed will not speed up results and may cause marked redness, peeling, or discomfort. If this happens, wash your face with mild soap and lukewarm water, and stop using Treclin until symptoms subside. Overuse can also cause stomach-related side effects such as pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience these, discontinue use and contact your doctor.
Treclin is for external use only. If accidentally ingested, seek medical advice or visit the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.
Missed Dose:
If you forget to apply Treclin at bedtime, simply apply the next dose at your usual time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed application.
For any further questions about using this product, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Who should not use Treclin gel?
Do NOT use Treclin if:
You are pregnant.
You are planning to become pregnant.
You are allergic to clindamycin, tretinoin, lincomycin, or any of the other ingredients in this medicine, plesase refer to the patient information leaflet.
You have a chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
You have a history of colitis related to antibiotic use, which includes prolonged or severe diarrhea or abdominal cramps.
You or a family member have a history of skin cancer.
You have acute eczema, characterized by inflamed, red, dry, and scaly skin.
You are suffering from rosacea, a skin condition affecting the face, marked by redness, pimples, and peeling.
You have other acute inflammatory skin conditions, such as folliculitis, especially around the mouth (perioral dermatitis).
You have specific severe forms of acne, such as acne conglobata or acne fulminans, which are characterized by pustules and deep cystic nodular acne lesions.
If any of the above conditions apply to you, do not use this medication and consult your doctor.
Warnings and Precautions:
Avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, mucous membranes, and damaged or eczematous skin. Be cautious when applying to sensitive skin areas. If accidental contact with the eyes occurs, rinse with plenty of lukewarm water.
Women of childbearing potential should not use Treclin unless they are using effective contraception (see the “Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility” section). If you experience prolonged or severe diarrhea or abdominal cramps, stop using Treclin and contact your doctor immediately.
If you have atopic eczema (chronic, itching inflammation of the skin), consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (such as sunlamps) while using Treclin, as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunburn and other harmful effects of the sun. Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and wear protective clothing when outdoors. If your face becomes sunburned, stop using Treclin until your skin has healed.
If you develop acute skin inflammation while using this medicine, consult your doctor.
Do not apply Treclin at the same time as other skin treatments, including cosmetics (see the “Other medicines and Treclin” section).
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility:
Do not use Treclin if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Consult your doctor for more information.
Do not use Treclin while breastfeeding, as it is unknown whether the medicine passes into breast milk and could harm your baby.
If you are of childbearing age, you should use contraception while using Treclin and for one month after stopping treatment.
Driving and Using Machines:
Treclin is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machines.
Ingredients:
Treclin contains methylparahydroxybenzoate (E218) and propylparahydroxybenzoate (E216), which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).
It also contains butyl hydroxytoluene (E321), which may cause local skin reactions (e.g., contact dermatitis) or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
What are the side effects with Treclin gel?
Like all medicines, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Uncommon: (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Acne
Dry skin
Redness of the skin
Increased sebum production
Photosensitivity reaction
Itching
Rash
Scaly rash
Skin scaling
Sunburn
Application site reactions such as burning, inflamed skin, dryness, and redness
Rare: (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Hypersensitivity reactions
Underactive thyroid gland (symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, weight gain, dry hair, rough pale skin, hair loss, and increased sensitivity to cold)
Headache
Eye irritation
Gastroenteritis (inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract), nausea
Inflamed skin, herpes simplex (cold sore), rash with small, flat, red spots (macular rash), skin bleeding, burning sensation, loss of skin pigmentation, skin irritation
Application site symptoms such as irritation, swelling, superficial skin damage, discoloration, itching, and scaling
Feeling hot, pain
Reporting of Side Effects:
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme:
Or search for: MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Does Treclin gel interact with other medicines?
Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines. This includes over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies, as Treclin can interact with other drugs, and some medicines may influence how Treclin works.
If you have used products containing sulfur, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, or any chemical exfoliants, you should wait until the effects of these products have worn off before starting Treclin. Your doctor will advise you on when to begin using Treclin.
Avoid using medicated soaps, cleansers, or scrubbing solutions with strong drying effects during treatment with Treclin. Be cautious when using products that may cause dryness, such as abrasive soaps, cosmetics, or items with high alcohol content, astringents, spices, or lime.
Consult your doctor before using Treclin in combination with other medicines that contain erythromycin, metronidazole, aminoglycosides, other antibiotics, or corticosteroids, or if you are receiving neuromuscular blocking agents (e.g., muscle relaxants used during anesthesia).
If you are taking warfarin or similar blood-thinning medications, you may have an increased risk of bleeding. Your doctor may need to perform regular blood tests to monitor your blood clotting.
Treclin gel FAQs
What is Treclin Gel?
Treclin Gel is a prescription-only topical medication used to treat moderate acne. It contains two active ingredients: clindamycin, an antibiotic that helps reduce acne-causing bacteria, and tretinoin, a retinoid that promotes the growth of new skin cells and prevents the buildup of sebum. Treclin Gel is effective in treating various acne symptoms, including blackheads, whiteheads, and pustules.
How Does Treclin Gel Work?
Treclin Gel combines two active ingredients to target acne:
Clindamycin: An antibiotic that reduces the bacteria responsible for acne, helping to reduce inflammation and prevent new breakouts.
Tretinoin: A retinoid that increases skin cell turnover, preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores, which can lead to acne.
These two ingredients work together to treat acne by reducing inflammation and promoting clearer skin.
How Long Does Treclin Gel Take to Work?
Treclin Gel typically takes several weeks to show noticeable results. It is usually prescribed for 10-12 weeks, and it’s important to continue using the gel for the full course, even if your acne starts to improve. Stopping treatment early may result in a return of symptoms.
What Are the Alternatives to Treclin Gel?
Alternatives to Treclin Gel include both over-the-counter and prescription treatments:
Over-the-counter: Benzoyl peroxide gels like Acnecide, which can kill acne-causing bacteria without the need for antibiotics.
Prescription: Topical antibiotics like Dalacin-T or Zineryt, retinoids like Differin, and combination treatments like Duac Gel or Epiduo.
How to Apply Treclin Gel?
Apply Treclin Gel once daily at bedtime.
Wash your face with mild soap and warm water, then pat it dry.
Use a pea-sized amount and apply it evenly to the affected areas (forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks).
Do not use more than the recommended amount, as this can cause irritation.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Treclin Gel?
Common side effects may include dry skin, redness, increased sebum production, and photosensitivity. If these symptoms become severe or persist, you should contact your doctor.
What Should I Avoid While Using Treclin Gel?
Avoid using products that have strong drying effects, such as abrasive soaps, and avoid exposure to strong sunlight or artificial UV light. Also, do not use other topical acne treatments simultaneously without consulting your doctor.
Can I Use Treclin Gel During Pregnancy or While Breastfeeding?
Treclin Gel should not be used during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, or while breastfeeding, as it may pose risks to the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for one month after stopping Treclin.
