Clindot Gel (Clindamycin 1%) Gel

Clindot Gel general information

What is Clindot Gel used for?

Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that affects many young people when they reach puberty.  An outbreak of acne spots is usually related to hormonal changes.  It can range from mild, with just a few spots, to severe inflammatory lesions that can become infected.  Clindot gel 1% is a topical antibiotic used to treat acne that has not responded well to other medicines and has become infected.

How does acne develop?

The sebaceous glands in the skin are found at the base of the hair follicles.  They are oil-producing glands and secrete an oil called sebum that lubricates and protects the hair and skin.  Around the time of puberty, a surge of hormones, particularly androgens, are produced by boys and girls.  Androgens stimulate the sebaceous gland to produce sebum.  If too much sebum is produced, it combines with dead skin cells, and the pores of the skin become clogged.  The blocked pores cause skin blemishes like whiteheads (enclosed blockage within a hair follicle) and blackheads or comedones (when the plug of sebum and skin cells is pushed to the skin surface).  Spots can also become inflamed and infected, causing pustules and cysts.  

Infected acne

Propionibacterium acnes are bacteria that naturally exist on the skin without causing any problems, living on fatty acids in the sebum.  Clogged pores attract bacteria, which then become overgrown and can cause an infection.  The bacteria will continue to grow within the clogged pores, producing fatty acid breakdown products from the oil that can irritate the skin and trigger more inflammation.  This results in more skin lesions and an increased risk of spreading the bacteria.

Topical antibiotics like Clindot gel are used to treat acne to help clear blemishes and prevent the spread of bacterial infection from an infected spot.

How does Clindot Gel work?

Clindot gel 1% contains clindamycin phosphate, which is an antibiotic belonging to the lincosamide group of antibiotics. 

Clindamycin in Clindot gel acts directly on the bacteria in the infected lesions on the skin.  It works by blocking protein synthesis in the bacteria responsible for causing infection of acne-affected skin.  This prevents the bacteria from making essential proteins required for survival, which stops the bacteria from replicating and spreading infection.  Clindot gel also helps reduce the amount of fatty acids that the bacteria live on. 

Clindot gel helps clear up and prevent spread of bacterial infection that contributes to formation acne skin lesions.  Reducing bacterial infection promotes the healing of acne lesions and prevents the formation of new acne lesions.   

What does Clindot Gel contain?

Clindot Gel contains the active ingredient clindamycin phosphate 1% (w/w), a topical antibiotic used to treat infected acne. 

What are the side effects of Clindot Gel?

Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone.  Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking Clindot Gel, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician. 

Common side effects when taking Clindot Gel include skin irritation at the site of application, itching, dryness and oily skin.

Clindamycin in Clindot Gel may be absorbed through the skin and may cause systemic side effects including diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea and colitis.

When should Clindot Gel not be used?

Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking Clindot Gel so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it.  There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for Clindot Gel you should consider the following before taking Clindot Gel:

• Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when using Clindot Gel or any other lincosamide antibiotic like lincomycin?
• Do you have a history of enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis?

What medications interact with Clindot Gel

Some medicines interact with Clindot Gel and may affect the way it works, or are affected by Clindot Gel or increase side effects; you should discuss possible interactions with your primary care physician.  These may include products containing benzoyl peroxide.

If other medications may interact with Clindot Gel, your doctor will discuss these with you. 

How should Clindot Gel be used and for how long?

You should apply your Clindot Gel to the affected area of the skin twice daily morning and evening.  Clean the skin with a mild soap or soap-free cleanser, rinse with water and dry, then apply a small amount with clean fingers and rub gently into the affected area of skin.  Wash your hands well after use and avoid contact with your eyes or inside your nose and mouth.  You should continue to use your Clindot Gel until your infection has cleared up or for as long as recommended by your doctor. 

Missed dose of Clindot Gel

If you miss a dose of Clindot Gel apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Clindot Gel be stored?

You should store your Clindot Gel below 25°C in a cool dry place.