Acne is a skin disease that affects many people of all ages, especially young people. Sometimes, these acne can be very annoying, right? So when you go to see a doctor, he or she may prescribe you a gel for this. Today, we are talking about a commonly used ointment that is a combination of two medications. That is the gel that contains two medications called Clindamycin and Tretinoin.
What is Clindamycin and Tretinoin?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Clindamycin: This is an antibiotic. That is, a medicine that kills bacteria. The main reason for acne is the bacteria on our skin. So, Clindamycin controls those bacteria.
2. Tretinoin: This is a special medication made from vitamin A. It works by increasing the rate at which our skin cells renew themselves. This reduces the clogging of skin pores and controls the formation of acne.
When these two are combined, you can achieve very effective results in controlling acne. But there are a few things you should tell your doctor before using this medication.
Things to tell your doctor before taking medication
For your safety, you should definitely discuss these things with your doctor. Don't hide it, even if you think it's something minor.
- Bowel disease: Tell us if you have ever had a bowel infection, such as colitis , or a long-term inflammatory bowel disease .
- Sun sensitivity: Is your skin very sensitive to the sun? Does your skin turn red and burn even after a little exposure to the sun? If so, please tell us about it.
- Occupation: If you work outdoors for a long time in the hot sun, inform your doctor about that as well.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to these two medications (Clindamycin, Tretinoin), vitamin A, any other medication, food, artificial coloring, or a preservative.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding , you should tell your doctor before using this medicine.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the best results, it's very important to use the medicine correctly. Let's see how.
This medicine is for skin use only . Do not put it in your mouth or swallow it for any reason.
1. Best time: The best time to apply this gel is at night before going to bed .
2. Wash your face: Before applying the gel, gently wash your face with a mild, non-medicated soap and pat dry with a clean towel, without rubbing vigorously.
3. Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
4. How much to apply: Take a pea-size amount on your fingertips. Remember, applying too much will not make acne go away faster. So only use the amount that is prescribed.
5. How to apply: Apply a small amount of gel slowly and in a thin layer over the entire face with acne (not just the pimple).
6. Avoid applying this medicine to the eyes, ears, nostrils, corners of the nose, and around the mouth . If you accidentally apply it, wash it off immediately with water.
7. Continuous use: Apply it at the same time every day, as directed by your doctor. Even if your acne seems to be improving, continue using it without missing a day until your doctor tells you to stop .
If used for children...
If your child has been prescribed this medication, talk to a pediatrician about it and follow his or her instructions exactly.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally used too much of this, or if someone has ingested it, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine one day?
That may happen. If you remember the next morning that you forgot to take it at night, do not take it at that time. This medicine is sensitive to light. Take the prescribed dose as usual that night. Simply skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time and in the prescribed amount. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
When taking this medicine, there may be interactions with some other things. So be careful about this as well.
| What can cause collisions? | Description |
|---|---|
| Erythromycin | This is also an antibiotic. Consult your doctor about using these two medications together. |
| Muscle relaxants given during surgery | If you are scheduled to undergo any surgery, inform your doctor and anesthesiologist that you are using this gel. |
| Other products that dry or irritate the skin | Avoid using alcohol-based cosmetics, astringents, products containing lime or spices, medicated soaps or shampoos, hair removers, or waxes on the areas where this gel will be applied. |
Most importantly: Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and traditional medicines), if you smoke, and if you drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are normal, but some things require immediate attention.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Severe diarrhea | If you have severe diarrhea, stomach pain, or other conditions like constipation, never ignore this. |
| Severe skin changes | Skin crusting or severe swelling where the medicine was applied. |
| Difficulty swallowing | Feeling pain when swallowing something. |
| 🙂 Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Minor skin changes | Dryness, redness, mild itching , or peeling of the skin where the medicine was applied. (This is normal when you first start using the medicine.) |
| Skin discoloration | Darkening or lightening of the skin color in the areas where the medicine was applied. |
| Cold-like symptoms | Runny nose or stuffy nose. |
Take-Home Message
- This gel is simply applied to the skin . Use a pea-sized amount before going to bed at night.
- Your skin will be very sensitive to the sun while taking this medicine. So be careful of the sun and be sure to wear a good sunscreen.
- Tell your doctor everything about your other illnesses, medications you take, and allergies.
- If your stomach is very watery, it could be a serious side effect. See a doctor immediately.
- Acne takes some time to heal , so be patient and continue to use the medicine for as long as your doctor tells you to.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others .
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