Duac

Duac gel (benzoyl peroxide 3% and clindamycin 1%) contains antibiotic and peeling agent used to treat acne as part of a treatment plan. Available to buy online from Dr Fox.

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About Duac

Duac Gel contains the antibiotic clindamycin and the peeling agent benzoyl peroxide. Both these ingredients reduce the bacteria associated with acne, and in addition benzoyl peroxide help to unblock pores and reduce whiteheads and blackheads. Duac is therefore likely to reduce spots, infection and inflammation.

Duac is a useful dual action second-line treatment for acne which is not responding to antibiotics or peeling agents on their own.

Duac is applied once daily. One finger tip amount of gel will cover the whole face.

Side effects of Duac

The commonest side effect is redness and soreness, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment. This is mainly due to the benzoyl peroxide component, which is a mild irritant. If inflammation is marked and persistent, Duac should be applied less frequently or even stopped. If there is a marked reaction, treatment should be stopped straight away.

Duac contains an antibiotic and therefore should not normally be used with other acne treatments containing antibiotics. A small amount of antibiotic is absorbed through the skin and has the potential to cause intestinal upset, although this is unlikely.

Duac makes the skin more than usually sensitive to sunlight. Sun screens, sun hats and sun avoidance are all advisable.

Cautions

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use Duac, although there is no known identified incidence of significant adverse effects.

Excess gel can stain clothing and even bleach hair.

Duac is a topical preparation. It should not be ingested or be applied to the lips. Accidental ingestion should be reported to a doctor straight away.

How to use

As with all acne treatments, Duac may take some time to work. Some improvement should be seen after about 5 weeks. If after 8 weeks there is no improvement, treatment should be stopped.

The manufacturers recommend usage for up to 12 weeks. Once bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic component, clindamycin, the gel will become less effective.

Interactions

Topical acne medicines containing tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene may be made less effective by Duac and should not be used at the same time.

Topical preparations containing antibiotics, such as Dalacin T or Zineryt should not be used at the same time. Likewise creams, gels or lotions containing benzoyl peroxide should also not be used at the same time.

Patient Information Leaflet

The Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet included in the pack with a medicine and must be read before taking the medicine. It is written for patients and gives information about taking or using a medicine.

Duac patient leaflet

Authored 19 November 2015 by Dr B. Babor
MB ChB Dundee University 1996. NHS GP and dermatology specialist.

Reviewed by Dr Tony Steele, Dr A. Wood, Dr P. Hunt
Last reviewed 15 January 2018
Last updated 5 February 2020