Acnatac (Clindamycin Phosphate And Tretinoin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Acnatac Used For?
Acnatac is a topical gel that combines two active ingredients to effectively treat acne. It contains clindamycin phosphate (an antimicrobial) and tretinoin (a retinoid) that work together to provide better results than when used separately.
Primary Uses
Acnatac is used on the skin to treat acne in patients 12 years and older.
How It Works
Clindamycin limits the growth of bacteria associated with acne and reduces inflammation caused by these bacteria. Tretinoin normalizes the growth of superficial skin cells and causes normal shedding of cells that clog hair follicles, preventing sebum buildup and formation of blackheads and whiteheads.
Good to know: This medicine is not addictive and is more effective than using clindamycin or tretinoin separately.
How to Take Acnatac
Acnatac is for skin application only and should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Proper application technique is important for best results.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and adolescents 12 years and older: Apply a small amount once daily at night to the affected area. A pea-sized amount should be enough to cover the entire face. Wash hands and affected area with mild soap and water first, pat dry, then gently smooth the gel over the entire affected area. Wash hands after use. Keep away from lips, eyes, mouth, and nostrils.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, apply Acnatac when the next dose is due at the usual time. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never use more than the recommended dose. Treatment should not exceed 12 weeks of continuous use without careful evaluation by your doctor.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Acne
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
- Increased sebum production
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Itching
- Rash
- Skin scaling
- Cold-like symptoms (cough, sinusitis)
- Application site reactions (burning, inflammation, dryness, redness)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Cold sores (herpes simplex)
- Underactive thyroid symptoms (fatigue, weakness, weight gain, dry hair, rough pale skin, hair loss, cold sensitivity)
- Headache
- Eye irritation
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pain
- Severe skin irritation (very red, swollen, itchy, scaly, blistered, crusted skin)
- Skin bleeding
- Loss of skin pigmentation
- Application site swelling and skin damage
- Feeling hot
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or other body parts
- Skin rash, itching, or hives
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Acnatac should not be used. Always inform your doctor about your medical history and current medications.
Who Should Not Take Acnatac
Do not use if you are allergic to clindamycin, tretinoin, lincomycin, or any ingredients; have acute eczema, rosacea, or other acute inflammatory skin conditions; have sunburnt skin; have or family history of skin cancer; are using other skin medications that may cause irritation; are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding; have chronic inflammatory bowel disease; have certain severe forms of acne (acne conglobata and acne fulminans); or have had severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes; suffer from eczema, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis; are using other topical preparations; have had severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea; or are using products containing sulfur, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, or chemical abrasives.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Acnatac if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Women must use adequate contraceptive methods while using Acnatac and for at least one month after stopping. If you become pregnant while using this medicine, stop treatment immediately and tell your doctor.
Sun Sensitivity: Acnatac makes your skin more susceptible to sunburn. Minimize sun exposure and always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30+ and protective clothing when outdoors.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Acnatac and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Corticosteroids
- Erythromycin-containing products
- Other antibiotics
- Neuromuscular blocking medicines (muscle relaxants used in anesthesia)
- Blood thinning medicines like warfarin
Alcohol & Driving
Acnatac is applied to the skin and is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned for this topical medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Acnatac is administered on the skin and is unlikely to have an effect on the ability to drive or operate machines.
Sun Exposure Precautions
Avoid sun lamps, UV lamps, or sun beds during treatment. If you are sunburnt, do not use Acnatac until your skin has fully recovered.
Storage
Keep Acnatac in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not refrigerate or freeze this medicine. Store away from moisture, heat, or sunlight – not in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep where young children cannot reach it. Discard after 3 months of first opening the tube.
Overdose Information
If you apply too much Acnatac, you may experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Excessive application may cause marked redness, peeling, or discomfort. If this occurs, gently wash the skin with mild soap and lukewarm water, discontinue use for several days until symptoms resolve. If you accidentally swallow Acnatac, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may not notice improvement for several weeks after starting treatment. Typically, it may take several weeks to have an optimal effect, and in some cases, it may take up to 12 weeks. Continue treatment as prescribed even if you don’t see immediate results.
No, Acnatac should be used once daily at night time only, as directed by your doctor.
No, this medicine is not addictive.
If you miss a dose, apply Acnatac when the next dose is due at the usual time. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
You should avoid medicated soaps, cleansers, or scrubbing solutions with strong drying effects. Be careful with abrasive soaps, products with high alcohol concentrations, astringents, spices, or lime. Check with your doctor about other topical preparations.
Use a small amount once daily. A pea-sized amount should be enough to cover the entire face. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Acnatac makes your skin more susceptible to sunburn. Minimize sun exposure and always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30+ and protective clothing when outdoors. Avoid sun lamps, UV lamps, or sun beds during treatment.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.