Duac Gel 5 gm

Duac Gel 5 gm contains Clindamycin and Benzoyl peroxide as active ingredients.

Duac Gel 5 gm is used to treat acne.

Duac Gel 5 gm is for topical use only.

Wash and dry your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area.

Category:

Description

About

Duac Gel 5 gm is prescribed, most commonly for the treatment of acne; it’s available as a gel that is meant to be applied on acne-affected skin areas. Duac Gel 5 gm belongs to a group of antibiotics and is, therefore, able to reduce and prevent the proliferation of bacteria that lead to pimples and/or cysts that may lead to pain.

A thin layer of Duac Gel 5 gm is to be applied on the skin with clean hands 1-2 times per day or as advised by the physician. Duac Gel 5 gm is to be used under the care and supervision of a doctor and for a specified period only. Application/usage of Duac Gel 5 gm is not to be stopped abruptly as that may lead to a recurrence of the ailment, therefore. Duac Gel 5 gm is gradually tapered off. Patients are advised to not stop using the Duac Gel 5 gm once they see or feel an improvement in their symptoms, which is likely to occur 2-6 weeks after starting treatment with Duac Gel 5 gm.

Mild side effects such as a stinging sensation or peeling off the skin may be felt at the time of application for a few days. Duac Gel 5 gm is not considered safe to be prescribed to children under 12 years of age. Duac Gel 5 gm should not be prescribed to patients with known sensitivity to Duac Gel 5 gm or other antibacterial medications.

Indications

Duac Gel 5 gm can be used to treat:

  • Acne

How Does Duac Gel 5 gm Work

Duac Gel 5 gm belongs to a group of antibiotics and is, therefore, able to reduce and proliferation of bacteria that lead to pimples and/or cysts that may lead to pain.

How To Use Duac Gel 5 gm

A thin layer of Duac Gel 5 gm is to be applied on the skin with clean hands 1-2 times per day or as advised by the physician. Duac Gel 5 gm is to be used under the care and supervision of a doctor and for a specified period only. Application/usage of Duac Gel 5 gm is not be stopped abruptly as that may lead to a recurrence of the ailment, therefore, Duac Gel 5 gm is gradually tapered off. Patients are advised to not stop using the Duac Gel 5 gm once they see or feel an improvement in their symptoms, which is likely to occur 2-6 weeks after starting treatment with Duac Gel 5 gm.

Do not use a rough hand and just gently apply Duac Gel 5 gm to the affected area. Duac Gel 5 gm is not meant to be covered after application. Duac Gel 5 gm may have a seal on top that needs to be removed or punctured before gel can be applied. Patients are advised to wash their hands after each application of Duac Gel 5 gm.

Dosage

Adult Dosage

A thin film of Duac Gel 5 gm is to be applied once or twice a day, as instructed by a physician.

Child Dosage

There isn’t enough evidence to suggest that Duac Gel 5 gm is safe to be prescribed to individuals aged 12 years and younger, thereby; Duac Gel 5 gm may be given under the care and supervision of a dermatologist after discussing it with the patient and their guardian. 

Elderly Dosage 

For patients aged 65 years and above, Duac Gel 5 gm is prescribed only when necessary and under the care and supervision of a doctor. A small dose of Duac Gel 5 gm is prescribed and for a limited number of days

Pregnancy Use And Lactation

There isn’t enough evidence to suggest that Duac Gel 5 gm is safe to be prescribed to expectant or breastfeeding mothers, therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to start a family while undergoing treatment with Duac Gel 5 gm, it’s best to consult a physician before applying any drug.

Contraindication

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Duac Gel 5 gm:

  • Allergic reaction to Duac Gel 5 gm or any other drug or ingredient
  • Hair removal while undergoing treatment 
  • Ulcerative colitis 
  • Hay fever 
  • Atopic dermatitis 

Precautions 

Please tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following before using Duac Gel 5 gm:

  • Dry skin 
  • Abraded or broken skin
  • Scarred skin 
  • High daily sun/light exposure 

Interactions With Other Medications

Please tell your doctor about the use of the following before using Duac Gel 5 gm:

  • Harsh soaps and cleansers 
  • Astringents 
  • Alcohol 
  • Antiperistaltic drugs 
  • Certain cosmetics 
  • Erythromycin 
  • Neuromuscular blockers 
  • Tretinoin 
  • Isotretinoin 
  • Tazarotene
  • Topical sulfonamides 

Adverse Effects

Common Adverse Effects

Like most medicines, Duac Gel 5 gm has certain side effects which include:

  • Burning sensation
  • Peeling of skin 
  • Itchiness of the skin 
  • Dryness of skin

These effects tend to be mild and resolve in a few days of taking Duac Gel 5 gm.

Rare Adverse Effects

If any of the following adverse effects are seen or felt, the patient is advised to immediately contact their doctor

  • Headache
  • Redness of the skin
  • Photosensitivity 
  • Diarrhea 

How To Cope With Some Of The Adverse Effects

  • Dryness- apply a moisturizer to the skin and wait for 10-15 minutes after which apply Duac Gel 5 gm onto the skin. This will prevent skin from getting dry and flaky.
  • Redness Of The Skin- can be combated by applying a cold pack to the affected area.
  • Headaches- In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
  • Photosensitivity – Patients are asked to wear sun-protective clothing when going outside including gloves and a hat, to apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunblock along with wearing sunglasses. Patients are advised to do all necessary work after sunset to reduce or eliminate sun exposure while undergoing treatment with Duac Gel 5 gm.

FAQ’S

#1. How To Store Duac Gel 5 gm?

Duac Gel 5 gm is to be kept away from the reach of children, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity as that tends to ruin certain drugs.

#2. Can I Take Duac Gel 5 gm During My Pregnancy?

No, Duac Gel 5 gm is deemed unsafe to be applied during pregnancy.

#3. What Are Common Side Effects Caused By Duac Gel 5 gm?

  • Stinging 
  • Burning sensation 
  • Dryness 
  • Redness of the skin

#4. Is It Safe To Have Painkillers While Taking Duac Gel 5 gm?

Yes. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol are safe to be ingested along with Duac Gel 5 gm under the supervision of a doctor.

#5. Why Must I Protect My Skin From The Sun While Taking Duac Gel 5 gm?

Duac Gel 5 gm can make the skin susceptible to certain non-melanoma cancers of the lip and skin. Patients are advised to wear sunscreen along with hats and gloves whenever possible to protect themselves from sun damage.

#6. Is Duac Gel 5 gm Safe TO Give To Elderly Patients?

Yes. This drug can be easily and safely prescribed to patients above 12 years of age. For elderly patients the dosage of the drug may be lower than normal due to decreased kidney function, Duac Gel 5 gm may not be effectively removed from the body and so, in such cases, the doctor may prescribe an altered dose of the Duac Gel 5 gm.

#7. How Is Duac Gel 5 gm Supposed To Be Applied?

 A thin layer of Duac Gel 5 gm is to be applied on the skin with clean hands 1-2 times per day or as advised by the physician. Do not use a rough hand and just gently apply Duac Gel 5 gm to the affected area. Duac Gel 5 gm is not meant to be covered after application if Duac Gel 5 gm is being used on diaper rashes; caretakers are advised to loosely fasten diapers in such situations.

#8. What If I Miss A Dose Of Duac Gel 5 gm?

If you miss a dose of the medication, make sure you take it as soon as possible on that same day. If you don’t remember you missed the dose until the next dosage time or the next day, do not double the dose and take your medication as per schedule.

#9. How Long Will I Have To Continue Taking The Medication?

Duac Gel 5 gm is prescribed to be applied for 2-6 weeks or as advised by your doctor.

 

Additional information

Type

Gel – Tube

Feature

5 gm

Unit

gm

Formula

Clindamycin

Composition

Benzoyl Peroxide 5 % + Clindamycin 1 %

Brand

GSK Consumer Healthcare

Prescription Required

No