How To Use Duac Once Daily Gel

Step-by-Step Usage Guide

Follow these steps each evening to ensure Duac is applied safely and effectively.

1. Cleanse the skin: Remove all make‑up and wash the affected area with a mild, non‑medicated cleanser. Rinse with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Do not rub vigorously.
2. Prepare the gel: Squeeze a small amount of Duac onto your fingertip. For the face only, use an amount from the tip of your finger to the first joint (a “fingertip unit”). For the face and back together, use two and a half fingertip units.
3. Apply a thin film: Spread the gel thinly over the entire area where acne occurs (e.g., forehead, cheeks, chin, chest, or back). Avoid concentrating the gel on individual spots; covering the whole area helps prevent new lesions.
4. Wash hands: Immediately after application, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid accidentally transferring the gel to sensitive areas such as eyes, mouth, or inside the nose.
5. Allow to dry: Wait for the gel to dry completely before applying non‑greasy make‑up, sunscreen, or moisturiser. If you use a moisturiser, choose an oil‑free, fragrance‑free, hypoallergenic product to reduce irritation.

Dosage Guide

Duac is formulated as a once‑daily treatment. The amount you use depends on the size of the area you need to treat.

Do not apply more than once daily. Using too much or applying more frequently will not improve results and may increase skin irritation. Treatment should be continued for up to 12 weeks unless your doctor advises otherwise. If you see no improvement after 8 weeks, your doctor may consider alternative therapies.

What if you miss a dose? If you forget to apply Duac one evening, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you accidentally swallow the gel: Seek medical advice immediately. Symptoms may include stomach upset similar to that caused by oral antibiotics.

Who Should Use Duac

Duac is suitable for:

• Adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.
• Individuals who have not responded adequately to over‑the‑counter acne treatments.
• Patients with a combination of both non‑inflammatory (blackheads, whiteheads) and inflammatory (red, swollen spots) acne lesions.
• Those who can commit to a once‑daily application and follow the storage instructions (store below 25°C after receipt, discard after 2 months).

Your doctor will assess your acne severity and overall health before prescribing Duac. It is typically used as a first‑line prescription therapy for mild to moderate acne.

Who Should Not Use Duac

Do not use Duac if any of the following apply:

• Allergy: You are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any of the excipients listed in Section 6 of the PIL.
• Gastrointestinal conditions: You have a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic‑associated colitis (severe diarrhoea caused by antibiotics).
• Broken skin: You have cuts, grazes, sunburn, or other damaged skin where the gel would be applied.
• Age: Children under 12 years (safety and efficacy have not been established).
• Concomitant medications: You are using erythromycin‑containing topical medicines, as they may reduce the effectiveness of Duac or increase irritation.

If you are uncertain whether Duac is safe for you, consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

Special Considerations: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Other Conditions

Pregnancy

There is limited data on the use of Duac during pregnancy. Although systemic absorption of both clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide after topical application is minimal (<5%), your doctor will prescribe it only if the potential benefit outweighs the theoretical risk to the unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suspect you may be pregnant.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether clindamycin or benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk after topical application. When clindamycin is taken by mouth or injection, it passes into breast milk. To minimise any risk, avoid applying Duac to the breast area if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before use.

Use with food or drink

Since Duac is applied to the skin, there is no interaction with food or drink. However, avoid getting the gel in your mouth.

Other medical conditions

If you have ever had inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) or severe diarrhoea after taking antibiotics, tell your doctor. Although Duac is applied to the skin, the clindamycin component has rarely been associated with antibiotic‑associated colitis. If you develop severe or persistent diarrhoea, stop using Duac and contact your doctor immediately.

Sun exposure

Benzoyl peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to UV light. Avoid sunbeds, sunlamps, and prolonged sun exposure during treatment. Wear protective clothing and use a broad‑spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors.

Duac FAQs

Need Duac with Professional Guidance?

If you have mild to moderate acne and want to start treatment with Duac, a UK‑registered doctor can assess your suitability and issue a prescription after an online consultation.

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