Acnatac Topical Gel® is used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris when comedones, papules and pustules are present in patients 12 years or older. It is a translucent yellow gel. This prescription contains the active ingredients clindamycin (as phosphate) and tretinoin.
Clindamycin is an antimicrobial agent. It limits the growth of bacteria associated with acne and the inflammation caused by these bacteria.
Tretinoin normalises the growth of superficial skin cells and causes normal shedding of the cells that clog the hair follicles in areas with acne. This prevents the build-up of sebum and the formation of early acne lesions (blackheads and whiteheads).
Acnatac® combines clindamycin and tretinoin and therefore is more effective at treating acne than when these active ingredients are used separately.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Do not Freeze
- Do not Refrigerate
- Shelf lifetime is 18 Months.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed for you. Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
Prescription only
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Private script
This is a private script, and it is not eligible for government PBS subsidy. The cost of this may be claimed from private health insurance providers depending on the level of cover.
Dose
Apply to the affected area(s) once daily at night
Active Ingredient
1% Clindamycin & 0.025% Tretinoin
Available Strengths
30g, 60g
Side effects
Can include dry skin, redness, irritation, sensitivity to sunlight
The dose provided is from the
consumer medicines information leaflet.Always follow the doctors direction when using prescription medication.
Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following and they continue to worry you:
- acne
- dry skin
- redness of the skin
- increased sebum production
- sensitivity to sunlight (that may result in sunburn)
- itching
- rash
- scaling of the skin
- cold-like symptoms e.g. cough, sinusitis
- application site skin reactions such as burning, inflamed skin, dryness, redness of the skin.
These symptoms are often mild and temporary when starting treatment with Acnatac®. Talk to your doctor if these symptoms are prolonged or intense.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
- shortness of breath
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
- rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Stop using Acnatac® and tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:
- cold sores (herpes simplex)
- symptoms of underactive thyroid gland: fatigue, weakness, weight gain, dry hair, rough pale skin, hair loss, increased sensitivity to cold
- headache
- eye irritation
- nausea
- abdominal cramps
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- pain
- severe or persistent skin irritation such as very red, swollen, itchy, scaly, blistered, crusted skin
- skin bleeding
- loss of skin pigmentation
- application site symptoms such as swelling, superficial skin damage, discolouration
- feeling hot.
Before you use
Acnatac Gel - Clindamycin + Tretinion
(
1% Clindamycin & 0.025% Tretinoin
)
, it is important that you read the consumer medicines information leaflet for information including side effects, warnings, dosage, ingredients and other useful information.
Always use your prescribed medicine as directed by your health professional. Apply to the affected area(s) once daily at night. Wash the area with warm water before applying and gently pat dry. Ensure you keep the gel away from the eyes, mouth and broken skin.
No, Acnatac gel is a prescription-only medicine. You can buy Acnatac gel online with a registered online doctor and pharmacy service or in a pharmacy with a valid prescription from an Australian doctor.
It can take several weeks before the medicine has an optimal effect. It can take between 4-12 weeks of treatment to get results. If there is no improvement or worsening after 12 weeks, speak to a healthcare professional.
Acnatac gel will last for 3 months after opening. After 3 months discard the medicine at a pharmacy.
You could experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. If this occurs discontinue the use of Acnatac and contact your doctor.
If you apply Acnatac excessively you may experience marked redness, peeling or discomfort. If this occurs, gently wash the skin with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Discontinue Acnatac for several days and wait until symptoms have resolved before resuming therapy.
Discuss any worries you may have about this with your doctor or pharmacist.
Acnatac may make your skin more susceptible to sunburn and other adverse effects of the sun. Therefore, minimise your exposure to sunlight and always use appropriate broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least 30 Sun Protection Factor (SPF30+), together with suitable protective clothing (e.g. a hat) when outdoors.
If you are sunburnt do not use ACNATAC until your skin has fully recovered. Avoid the use of sun lamps, UV lamps or sun beds during treatment.
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of gel onto the fingertip. Dab the gel on your forehead, chin, nose and both cheeks, and then gently spread it evenly over your whole face. Do not use more than the amount that has been suggested by your doctor, or apply the product more frequently than instructed.
We recommend applying one layer of your moisturizer or toner to your skin before Acnatac. Not only will this ensure that your skin stays hydrated, but it will also give any topical antibiotics the best possible chance of being absorbed. You can apply more moisturizer over Anatac after.
Keep ACNATAC away from your lips, eyes, eyelids, mouth, nostrils and other mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, rinse with plenty of lukewarm water.
Typically, it may take several weeks to have an optimal effect. In some cases, it may take up to 12 weeks. If you have any concerns speak with your doctor or pharmacist. To get the best results with Acnatac it is necessary to use it properly and not stop using it as soon as your acne starts to get better.
Do not use medicated soaps cleansers or scrubbing solutions with strong drying effect during treatment with Acnatac. You should be careful when using the following that may have a drying effect: abrasive soaps, soaps and cosmetics and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime.
We recommend applying one layer of your moisturizer or toner to your skin before Acnatac. Not only will this ensure that your skin stays hydrated, but it will also give any topical antibiotics the best possible chance of being absorbed.
