Treclin Gel

What is Treclin Gel?

Treclin Gel is a prescription-only topical medication containing two active ingredients: clindamycin phosphate (an antibiotic) and tretinoin (a retinoid, a form of vitamin A). This combination treatment is specifically formulated to address multiple aspects of acne simultaneously.

Mechanism of Action

Treclin Gel works through a dual-action mechanism that targets both the bacterial and structural components of acne:

• Clindamycin (The Antibiotic): Penetrates into pores and inhibits the growth of acne-causing bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes), reducing inflammation and preventing new inflamed spots from forming.
• Tretinoin (The Cell Regulator): Normalises the lifecycle of skin cells lining hair follicles, preventing them from clumping together and forming pore blockages. It also helps expel existing plugs (comedones).

Think of acne as a two-part problem: 1) pores getting clogged with dead skin cells and oil, and 2) bacteria thriving in these clogged pores causing inflammation. Treclin tackles both problems at once, making it more effective than single-ingredient treatments.

What is Treclin Gel Used For?

Treclin Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris according to NHS treatment guidelines.

Approved Patient Groups

Before Using Treclin Gel

Essential considerations before initiating treatment:

Medical History Assessment

• Pregnancy status or plans for pregnancy
• Allergies to clindamycin, tretinoin, lincomycin, or parabens
• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
• History of antibiotic-associated colitis
• Existing skin conditions (eczema, rosacea, perioral dermatitis)

Required Evaluation

1. Complete skin assessment by healthcare professional
2. Review of current topical products and medications
3. Discussion of lifestyle factors affecting acne
4. No specific blood tests required for topical use

Treclin Gel Contraindications

Absolute contraindications where Treclin Gel must not be used:

Absolute Contraindications

• Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
• Hypersensitivity to clindamycin, tretinoin, lincomycin, or excipients
• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• History of antibiotic-associated colitis
• Acute eczema, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis
• Severe acne forms

Relative Contraindications/Cautions

Special Population Considerations

Elderly Patients

• No specific dosage adjustment needed
• Skin may be more sensitive - start with smaller amounts

Renal/Hepatic Impairment

• Topical application results in minimal systemic absorption
• No specific adjustments needed
• Use with standard caution

Pediatric Patients

• Approved for age 12 and over
• Not recommended for children under 12
• Same dosage as adults

Treclin Gel and Other Medicines

Significant interactions requiring attention:

High-Risk Combinations

• Other Topical Agents: Avoid concurrent use with products containing sulphur, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, or strong abrasive agents
• Drying Agents: Be cautious with abrasive soaps, high-alcohol cosmetics, astringents, or strong medicated cleansers
• Neuromuscular Blockers: Theoretical interaction with systemic clindamycin - inform anaesthetist if surgery needed

Important Precautions

• Do not apply other topical treatments or cosmetics at the same time as Treclin
• Apply Treclin to clean, dry skin at bedtime
• Allow Treclin to absorb fully before applying other products
• Warfarin: Potential for increased bleeding risk - monitor INR closely

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

• Contraindicated
• Unknown if clindamycin or tretinoin passes into breast milk
• Due to potential risk, use is not recommended
• Discuss alternatives with your doctor

Driving & Machine Operation

• Treclin Gel has no known influence on the ability to drive or operate machinery
• Topical application doesn't affect cognitive function
• No restrictions on driving or operating machinery

Treclin Gel Ingredients

Active Substances

• Clindamycin phosphate (equivalent to 10 mg/g clindamycin)
• Tretinoin (0.25 mg/g)

Excipients (Other Ingredients)

Allergen Warnings

• Parabens (E218, E216) may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed)
• Butyl hydroxytoluene (E321) may cause local skin reactions or eye/mucous membrane irritation

How to Use Treclin Gel

Preparation Steps

1. Wash hands thoroughly
2. Gently wash face with mild, non-medicated soap and lukewarm water
3. Pat skin dry with a clean towel (do not rub)
4. Ensure skin is completely dry before application

Application Technique

• Amount: Pea-sized amount for entire face
• Method: Dot gel on forehead, chin, nose, and both cheeks, then spread evenly
• Avoid: Eye area, lips, nostrils, and broken or eczematous skin
• Timing: Use at bedtime unless otherwise directed

Post-Application Protocol

1. Wash hands after application
2. Allow gel to absorb completely before touching face
3. Use non-comedogenic moisturiser if needed (apply after absorption)
4. Apply sunscreen every morning (essential)

Treclin Gel Dosage Guidelines

Standard Dosage Schedule

Important Dosage Notes

• Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor
• Typically once daily in the evening
• Do not increase frequency or amount
• If irritation occurs, reduce to every other day or consult doctor

Administration Instructions

Step-by-step application guide:

Detailed Application Process

1. Cleanse: Wash your hands, then gently wash your face with a mild, non-medicated cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat dry - do not scrub.
2. Measure: Squeeze a pea-sized amount (approximately 0.5g) of gel onto your clean fingertip.
3. Apply: Dot small amounts onto forehead, chin, nose, and both cheeks.
4. Spread: Gently spread and massage the gel evenly over your entire face using circular motions.
5. Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep away from eyes, lips, nostrils, and any broken or eczematous skin.
6. Clean Up: Wash your hands thoroughly after application to remove any residue.

Best Practices

• Apply at bedtime to clean, dry skin
• Allow gel to absorb fully before going to sleep
• Use non-comedogenic moisturiser if dryness occurs (apply after gel absorbs)
• Always use sunscreen during the day

Missed Dose Management

General Principles

• Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed one
• Apply at your next regular time

Time-Based Guidance

Overdose Information

Topical Overuse

• Symptoms: Pronounced redness, peeling, burning, discomfort, severe dryness
• Management: Gently wash area with mild soap and lukewarm water. Stop using gel until symptoms resolve. When restarting, use smaller amount or apply every other night.
• Note: Applying more gel will not give better or faster results

Accidental Ingestion

• Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea
• Management: Contact doctor immediately or go to nearest hospital casualty department
• Bring medication packaging for identification

Possible Side Effects

Side effects categorised by frequency as per MHRA-approved product information:

Uncommon (up to 1 in 100 people)

• Worsening of acne (initial flare-up)
• Dry skin, skin redness, scaling
• Increased sebum (oil) production
• Photosensitivity reaction, itching, rash, sunburn
• Application site reactions: burning, inflamed skin, dryness, redness

Rare (up to 1 in 1,000 people)

• Hypersensitivity/allergic reaction
• Headache, eye irritation
• Gastroenteritis, nausea
• Inflamed skin, cold sores, macular rash, skin bleeding
• Burning sensation, loss of pigmentation
• Application site: irritation, swelling, skin damage, discolouration
• Feeling hot, pain

Reporting Side Effects

You can report suspected side effects via the UK Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

How to Store Treclin Gel

Storage Conditions

• Store below 25°C
• Do not freeze
• Keep tube tightly closed to prevent drying out
• Keep out of sight and reach of children

Shelf Life

• Do not use after expiry date (EXP) on carton and tube
• Shelf life after first opening: 3 months
• Write opening date on tube if not pre-printed

Disposal

• Dispose of unused medicine via pharmacy take-back schemes
• Do not flush down toilet or throw in household waste
• Follow local regulations for medication disposal

Pack Information

Pack Sizes

• Aluminium tubes containing 30 g of gel
• Aluminium tubes containing 60 g of gel
• Each tube is packed in a carton with patient information leaflet

Appearance

• Translucent yellow gel
• Aluminium tube with screw cap
• Gel should be uniform with no separation

Manufacturing Information

• Marketing Authorisation Holder: Mylan Products Ltd, UK
• Manufacturer: Meda Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Germany / Madaus GmbH, Germany
• Product Licence Number: PL 15142/0069

Where Can I Buy Treclin Gel Online in the UK