Clindot Gel (Clindamycin)

Clindot Gel general information

What is Clindot Gel used for?

Clindot Gel is used to treat mild inflammatory acne vulgaris of the face, chest or back, including pimples (papules), whiteheads (pustules) and blackheads (comedones).  Clindot Gel is a topical antibiotic for acne that has become infected and is unresponsive to non-antibiotic treatment.  Clindot Gel gets into the lesions that form on the skin and kills the bacteria that infect acne affected skin, clearing up and preventing spread of the infection.

How does Clindot Gel work?

Clindot gel contains the active ingredient clindamycin phosphate, which is an antibiotic belonging to the lincomycin group of antibiotics.  Clindamycin in Clindot gel blocks protein synthesis in the bacteria responsible for causing infection of acne affected skin, and this kills the bacteria.  Propionibacterium acnes are bacteria that normally exist on the skin without causing any problems, living on fatty acids in the sebum (oil) secreted by the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles of the skin).  Over production of sebum causes the pores of the skin to become blocked and this is how the pimples, whiteheads and blackheads (comedones) of acne form.  Clogged pores attract bacteria which then overgrow and cause infection.  Clindamycin in Clindot gel gets into the blackheads and blocks the growth of the bacteria, while at the same time reducing the amount of fatty acids that the bacteria live on.  This action of Clindot gel reduces bacterial growth that contributes to formation acne skin lesions and prevents the spread of infection.   

What does Clindot Gel contain?

Clindot Gel contains the active ingredient clindamycin phosphate 1% (w/w), a topical antibiotic used to treat infected acne.  It also contains the preservative Chlorocresol 0.12% (w/w) in a gel base.

Treating acne with Clindot Gel

Clindot Gel contains clindamycin, a topical antibiotic that is used to treat acne that has become infected and is unresponsive to non-antibiotic treatment.  Acne forms when over stimulation of the sebaceous glands (oil producing glands in hair follicles), which often happens in response a surge of androgen hormones at puberty, causes pores to become clogged with dead skin.  This leads to the formation of new pimples, whitehead and blackheads (comedones), which can become infected and inflamed.  Clindamycin in Clindot Gel blocks protein synthesis in the bacteria responsible for causing infection of acne affected skin.  This prevents the overgrowth of bacteria that normally exist on the skin without causing any problems; living on fatty acids in the sebum (oil) secreted by the sebaceous glands and prevents the spread of infection.

What are the side effects of Clindot Gel?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Clindot Gel include: burning, itching, dryness or irritated skin at the site of application.  Clindamycin phosphate in Clindot Gel is absorbed through the skin and may cause systemic side effects including diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea and colitis.

When should Clindot Gel not be used?

You should not use Clindot Gel if you:

• are allergic to clindamycin or any other lincomycin antibitoics or any ingredients in Clindot Gel
• have a history of enteritis, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis

How should Clindot Gel be used?

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. 

How long should you apply Clindot Gel?

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 take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Clindot Gel be stored?

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