What is Dalacin T?

• Dalacin T is an antibiotic available as a solution or lotion that you apply to the skin to treat acne (spots).

How does Dalacin T work?

• Dalacin T topical solution and lotion both contain the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate.
• Clindamycin works by attacking the bacteria associated with acne, Propionibacterium acnes. This common type of bacteria feeds on the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, making them inflamed and causing spots. By controlling bacterial numbers, clindamycin brings the inflammation of the sebaceous glands under control, and allows the skin to heal.

How long does Dalacin T take to work?

• Most people will need to use Dalacin T for at least two months before their acne starts to improve, so it's important to be patient and keep using it every day.

Key facts about Dalacin T

• Dalacin T is only available on prescription.
• Dalacin T is suitable for adults and children.
• You can use Dalacin T on your face, back or chest.
• Dalacin T should be applied twice a day over the whole area where you get acne.
• Common side effects include skin itching, irritation or dryness.
• Dalacin T topical solution contains alcohol, which is flammable. Do not apply it near naked flames or while smoking.
• Tell your doctor straight away if you get severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea while using Dalacin T.

Who shouldn't use Dalacin T?

Dalacin T is not suitable for:

• People with a history of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• People with a history of bowel inflammation caused by antibiotic treatment (antibiotic-associated colitis).
• People who are allergic to clindamycin or the related antibiotic lincomycin.
• People who are allergic to any ingredients of the lotion or solution.

Can I use Dalacin T while pregnant or breastfeeding?

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding make sure your doctor knows before you start using Dalacin T.
• Clindamycin is not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy, but Dalacin T will only be prescribed if your doctor thinks it is essential.
• Dalacin T is not expected to be harmful to a breastfed baby, but should only be used if your doctor agrees. If you do use it while breastfeeding, avoid applying it to your chest so your baby doesn't come into contact with it and consult your doctor straight away if your child develops diarrhoea or shows any sign of illness.

How do I use Dalacin T?

• Dalacin T topical solution or lotion should be applied thinly to the whole area of skin affected by acne (not just the individual spots) twice a day, morning and evening.
• Wash your skin with a mild cleanser and pat it dry before applying Dalacin T. Dalacin T solution has an automatic pad dispenser on the bottle. Gently dab the pad onto your skin to apply the solution. Dalacin T lotion should be gently rubbed into your skin using your fingertips or a cotton pad. Wash your hands after application.
• Don't apply Dalacin T to broken, sunburnt or sensitive areas of skin and take care to avoid getting it on your eyelids or lips, or in your eyes, nose or mouth. If you accidentally get Dalacin T on these areas, wash it off with cool water.
• You can use moisturisers or cosmetics after applying Dalacin T, but wait until it has dried.
• Keep applying Dalacin T twice a day for as long as your doctor prescribes - this may be for several months.

What are the side effects of Dalacin T?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with Dalacin T. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using this acne treatment will experience that or any side effect.

Very common side effects (affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Dryness and irritation of the skin at the application site.
• Nettle-type rash (hives).

Common side effects (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)

• Skin oiliness.
• Other possible side effects
• Contact dermatitis.
• Inflammation of the bowel (colitis). Although this is very unlikely to occur when you use the antibiotic on the skin, if you get diarrhoea either during or after using Dalacin T, particularly if it becomes severe or persistent, or contains blood or mucus, you should stop using Dalacin T and see your doctor straight away.

Read the leaflet that comes with the medicine or talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Dalacin T. 

Can I use Dalacin T with other medicines?

• Check with your pharmacist or doctor before using other medicines on your skin (including those bought without a prescription) while you are using Dalacin T.
• As Dalacin T topical solution contains alcohol it shouldn't be used at the same time as acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide, as they are likely to have an additive drying or irritant effect on the skin.
• If you find Dalacin T dries or irritates your skin, then using other skin preparations such as medicated cosmetics, soaps, cleansers, toiletries and other anti-acne preparations, particularly those containing high concentrations of alcohol or astringents, is likely to make this worse.
• The Propionibacterium is becoming more resistant to antibiotics. To help avoid the development of resistance, your doctor should avoid prescribing different antibiotics for you to take by mouth while you are using Dalacin T on your skin.

References:

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-hair/a6507/dalacin-t-topical-solution-and-lotion-clindamycin/

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/groups/spcpil/documents/spcpil/con1474608897988.pdf

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1080/smpc

https://netdoktor.dk/sygdomme/fakta/bakterielvaginose.htm