Duac (Clindamycin And Benzoyl Peroxide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Duac Used For?
Duac Once Daily Gel is a topical medication used to treat acne. It combines two active ingredients, clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, which work together to reduce acne-causing bacteria and prevent new acne from forming.
Primary Uses
Duac is primarily used to treat acne in adults and adolescents aged 12 and above.
How It Works
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that inhibits the growth of bacteria involved in acne, while benzoyl peroxide reduces comedones and decreases skin oiliness.
Good to know: Duac is not addictive.
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How to Take Duac
To achieve the best results, apply Duac Once Daily Gel as directed by your healthcare provider.
Dosage Instructions
Apply a thin film of the gel to the affected areas of the skin once daily in the evening. Ensure the skin is clean and dry before application.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to apply Duac, skip the missed dose and apply it at the next scheduled time. Do not double the dose.
Important: Never apply a double dose to make up for a missed application.
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 the skin
- burning sensation
- itching
- sensitivity to sunlight
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- tingling (paraesthesia)
- raised itchy rash (hives)
- severe burning and peeling
- allergic reactions
Important Warnings
There are several important considerations to keep in mind when using Duac.
Who Should Not Take Duac
Do not use Duac if you are allergic to clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any of the ingredients in the gel. Avoid use if you have a history of regional enteritis, colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Consult your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or are using other topical treatments.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not apply Duac to the breasts before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Duac and affect its effectiveness.
- medicated or abrasive soaps and cleansers
- chemical peels
- cosmetic products with strong drying effects
- erythromycin
- clindamycin
- lincomycin
- benzoyl peroxide
- tretinoin, isotretinoin, or tazarotene
- salicylic acid
- alcohol
Alcohol & Driving
There are no specific warnings regarding alcohol consumption or driving while using Duac.
Storage
Store Duac in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C for up to 2 months. Do not freeze and keep it away from moisture and heat.
Overdose Information
If Duac is swallowed, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may take 4-6 weeks to see the full effects of Duac on your acne.
Duac is for topical use only, so food intake does not affect its application.
No, Duac is not addictive.
Consult your doctor if you feel the treatment is not helping before stopping.
There are no specific warnings about alcohol consumption while using Duac.
Consult your doctor for advice regarding the use of Duac in elderly patients.
Skip the missed dose and apply it at the next scheduled time. Do not double the dose.
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.