Treclin gel is a topical acne treatment that contains an antibiotic and a retinoid. It is available as a gel, applied once daily at night, to effectively reduce acne spots and inflammation over 12 weeks. Treclin gel for acne is available through Superdrug Online Doctor for anyone aged 16 years and over.

Treclin gel contains 2 active ingredients:

• 1% clindamycin – a type of antibiotic that works by reducing the growth of bacteria that can cause acne
• 0.025% tretinoin – a derivative of vitamin A (retinoid) that increases skin cell turnover to clear acne, improve skin texture, and prevent the buildup of oil (sebum), and unblocks hair follicles

This combination of clindamycin and tretinoin is more effective at managing acne than either used alone.

How long does Treclin gel take to work?

Most people notice an improvement in their symptoms after 2 to 3 weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks of daily use for the full benefits to become clear.

Treclin gel is a short-term acne treatment and is not usually used for longer than 12 weeks unless your doctor tells you to. It is important to apply the gel consistently for the best results, as stopping it early can cause acne to come back.

Treclin gel is applied to your face if you have acne and should be used once daily at bedtime. Your doctor will tell you how to use it, so it is important that you use only as much as they tell you to, because using too much can irritate your skin.

To use Treclin gel for acne, you should apply it at night just before bed and:

1. Wash your face with a mild soap and warm water, and then pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of Treclin gel onto a fingertip.
3. Dab the gel on your forehead, chin, nose, and both cheeks and then gently spread it evenly over your face.

It can take several weeks to notice improvements in your skin, but it is important to keep using it even if your acne gets better. Your doctor will tell you how long to use Treclin gel for, but it can take up to 12 weeks for your acne to fully improve.

Using or applying too much Treclin gel can irritate your skin, so use only as much as your doctor has prescribed.

You will need a prescription to obtain Treclin gel from a trusted online doctor service, a dermatologist, or the NHS. It is not available to buy over-the-counter, but there are several alternative acne treatments that are, especially if you have mild to moderate acne.

Can I buy Treclin gel online?

Yes, you can request Treclin gel from Superdrug Online Doctor by:

1. Filling out a short online health questionnaire and uploading 2 photos for our doctors to review.
2. Select your preferred acne treatment and make a payment.
3. Once approved, we will send Treclin gel to your preferred address, or you can choose to collect it from your local Superdrug Pharmacy.

Ordering acne treatment from Superdrug Online Doctor is quick, simple, and hassle-free. There’s no need for a face-to-face appointment, and we’ll send your treatment to your home address in discreet packaging.

Can I buy Treclin gel over the counter?

No, you cannot buy Treclin gel over the counter, as it is a prescription-only medication. That means you must have a doctor’s approval to get it. There are alternative acne treatments available from most UK pharmacies without a prescription, including Acnecide 5% gel.

Can I get Treclin gel on the NHS?

Yes, Treclin gel is available on the NHS with a prescription from a doctor or dermatologist. It is usually prescribed for mild to moderate acne, and you will need to make an appointment with your regular GP to find out if it is suitable and available for you.

Like all medications, Treclin gel can cause side effects, although not everyone will get them.

Uncommon Treclin gel side effects include:

• acne
• dry skin
• redness
• increased oil (sebum) production
• photosensitivity reaction
• itching
• rash
• scaly rash
• scaling of the skin
• sunburn

Rare Treclin gel side effects include:

• hypersensitivity
• underactive thyroid gland
• headache
• eye irritation
• inflammation of the digestive tract (gastroenteritis)
• feeling sick (nausea)
• inflamed skin
• application site reactions (swelling, discolouration, itching, or scaling)
• feeling hot
• pain

You can find a full list of potential Treclin gel side effects in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication.

What to do if you get Treclin gel side effects

If you use too much Treclin gel or apply it too often, it can irritate your skin. If this happens, you should:

• wash your face with a mild soap and lukewarm water to remove the gel
• stop using Treclin gel until these side effects have gone away
• use less gel

If you use too much, you may get stomach pain, feel sick, be sick, or have diarrhoea. Stop using Treclin and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you accidentally ingest (swallow) Treclin gel, contact your doctor or go to the nearest A&E department straight away.

Treclin gel may not be suitable for everyone.

Do not use Treclin gel for acne if you:

• are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding
• are allergic to clindamycin, tretinoin, or any other ingredients listed in the medication
• are allergic to lincomycin

Before using Treclin gel for acne, tell your doctor if you:

• are thinking about becoming pregnant, or are not using contraception
• have atopic eczema or rosacea
• are going to be exposed to natural or artificial light (sunbeds) while using Treclin
• have a chronic inflammatory bowel disease
• have a history of colitis with previous antibiotic use (stomach cramps or prolonged or severe diarrhoea)
• a member of your family has had skin cancer
• have other acute inflammatory skin conditions like folliculitis, especially around the mouth (perioral dermatitis)
• have specific forms of acne vulgaris characterised by pustular and deep cystic nodular acne lesions
• are using any other topical acne treatments

Treclin gel and other medications

Before using Treclin gel, tell your doctor if you are currently taking any prescribed, over-the-counter, or herbal medications.

If you have used any treatments that contain sulphur, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or rescinol, wait until the effects of these have subsided before starting Treclin gel.

You should also avoid using medicated soaps or cleanser or scrubbing solutions while using Treclin gel.

Before using Treclin gel for acne tell your doctor if you are taking or using any medications that contain:

• antibiotics
• corticosteroids
• warfarin or other blood thinners
• neuromuscular blocking medications

What is the difference between tretinoin and Treclin?

Topical tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid that is used to treat acne by increasing skin cell turnover. Treclin gel is a brand name for a topical gel containing a combination of tretinoin and the antibiotic clindamycin. This combination has been shown to be more effective than tretinoin or clindamycin alone for treating acne.

Can I use Treclin Gel every day?

Yes, Treclin gel should be used daily to be effective. It should be used once a day, usually before bed. However, you should not use it more frequently as it can cause irritation if you use too much. The recommended amount is a pea-sized amount every day, and it should be used for 12 weeks unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Does Treclin remove dark spots?

Yes, Treclin can lighten acne dark spots by replacing damaged skin cells. That means it can lighten your skin tone and make it clearer than before. However this isn’t a licensed use for Treclin, which is licensed to treat acne.

Can you use moisturiser with Treclin gel?

Yes, you can use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser with Treclin gel. This can help with side effects such as dryness, peeling, and irritation. Applying the moisturiser before or after Treclin can help increase hydration without reducing effectiveness.

Can Treclin be used long term?

No, Treclin is a short-term acne treatment. It’s usually prescribed for up to 12 weeks, but your doctor may suggest using it for longer after a follow-up consultation.

Can Treclin cause purging?

Yes, Treclin can cause temporary worsening of acne, also known as purging. This is because it works by speeding up skin cell turnover and unclogging pores, but it is usually temporary, lasting 2 to 6 weeks. If it lasts for longer than this, speak to your doctor for more advice.

Can Treclin make acne worse?

Yes, Treclin gel can temporarily make acne worse at the start of treatment. This is called purging and is caused by underlying clogged pores and blemishes being brought to the skin’s surface, so that dead cells, bacteria, and sebum can be cleared. It is usually temporary, often lasting a few weeks. However, if it lasts for longer or you are concerned, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.