What Is Duac Used For?

Duac Once Daily Gel is a topical medication that combines two active ingredients to effectively treat acne in adults and adolescents aged 12 and above.

Primary Uses

Duac is used on the skin to treat acne. It helps reduce bacteria and germs involved in acne, decrease the number of acne spots, reduce the likelihood of new blackheads and whiteheads forming, and make your skin less oily.

How It Works

The gel contains clindamycin, an antibiotic that prevents the growth of bacteria involved in acne, and benzoyl peroxide, which reduces comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), kills acne-causing bacteria, and makes the skin less oily.

How to Take Duac

Duac should be applied exactly as your doctor has instructed. Proper application technique is important for the medication to work effectively.

Dosage Instructions

Apply once daily in the evening to clean, dry skin. Wash the affected area thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Remove makeup before application. Apply a thin film to all acne-affected areas, not just individual spots. As a guide, one fingertip amount covers the face, and two and a half fingertips cover face and back. If the gel doesn’t rub in easily, you’re using too much. Wash hands after application. It may take 4-6 weeks to see full effects. Do not use for more than 11 weeks unless directed by your doctor.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it’s almost time for your next application, skip the missed dose and apply when next scheduled. Otherwise, apply as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.

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:

• dry skin
• skin peeling
• redness of skin (especially during first few weeks)
• skin burning sensation
• itching
• skin pain
• sensitivity to sunlight
• skin discoloration
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea)
• stomach pain
• headache

Important Warnings

Before using Duac, it’s important to understand who should not use this medication and what conditions require special consideration.

Who Should Not Take Duac

Do not use if you are allergic to clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any ingredients. Do not use if you have sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or lincomycin. Do not use if you have or have ever had regional enteritis (small intestine inflammation), colitis (large intestine inflammation), ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, are using other topical treatments, or have recently used clindamycin or erythromycin-containing medicines.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor will discuss risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor if breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Do not apply Duac to the breasts before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines and products may interfere with Duac and affect how it works or cause cumulative irritation.

• medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers
• chemical peels
• cosmetic products with strong drying effects
• erythromycin-containing products
• clindamycin-containing products
• lincomycin-containing products
• benzoyl peroxide products
• tretinoin, isotretinoin, or tazarotene
• salicylic acid products
• alcohol-containing products

Alcohol & Driving

While Duac is applied topically, there are important precautions regarding sun exposure and activities.

Sun Exposure

Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and do not use sunlamps. Avoid use at high altitudes or where ground is snow-covered. When sun exposure cannot be avoided, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

Skin Sensitivity

Keep away from lips, eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. Do not apply to irritated skin areas such as cuts, grazes, sunburn, or eczema. Be careful on neck and other sensitive skin areas.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C for up to 2 months. Do not freeze. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep away from children.

Overdose Information

If you think anyone has swallowed Duac Once Daily Gel, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions