Zindaclin is an anti-inflammatory gel for external use on the skin. It contains the active ingredient clindamycin, which is an antibiotic medicine. Clindamycin works against certain types of bacteria that live on the skin.

What is Zindaclin gel?

  • Zindaclin gel is a topical antibiotic treatment for acne.

How does Zindaclin gel work?

  • Zindaclin contains 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 Zindaclin take to work?

Most people will need to use Zindaclin 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 Zindaclin gel

  • Zindaclin is only available on prescription.
  • Zindaclin is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over.
  • You can use Zindaclin gel on your face, back or chest.
  • Zindaclin should be applied once a day over the whole area where you get acne.

Common side effects

  • include skin itching, irritation or dryness.
  • Tell your doctor straight away if you get severe, persistent or bloody diarrhoea while using Zindaclin.
  • A young woman washing off her facial mask in her bathroom


Who shouldn't use Zindaclin?

Zindaclin gel is not suitable for:

  • Children under 12 years of age.
  • 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 Zindaclin while pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding make sure your doctor knows before you start using Zindaclin.
  • Clindamycin is not known to be harmful if used during pregnancy, but Zindaclin will only be prescribed if your doctor thinks it is essential.
  • Zindaclin 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 Zindaclin gel?

  • Zindaclin gel should be applied thinly to the whole area of skin affected by acne (not just the individual spots) once a day.
  • Wash your skin with a mild cleanser and pat it dry before applying Zindaclin. Gently apply a thin layer of gel using your fingertips or a cotton pad. Wash your hands after application.
  • Take care to avoid getting Zindaclin on your eyelids or lips, or in your eyes, nose or mouth. If you accidentally get the gel on these areas, wash it off with water.
  • You can use moisturisers or cosmetics after applying Zindaclin, but wait until it has dried.
  • Keep applying Zindaclin once a day for as long as your doctor prescribes - this may be for several months.

What are the side effects of Zindaclin gel?

The following are some of the side effects that may be associated with Zindaclin. Just because a side effect is stated here doesn't mean that all people using Zindaclin will experience that or any side effect.

Common side effects 

  • Dry skin.
  • Skin irritation, such as redness, itching or burning sensation.

Uncommon side effects

  • Painful skin.
  • Scaly rash.

Other possible side effects

  • Inflammation of the bowel (colitis). Although this is very unlikely to occur when you use this antibiotic on the skin, if you get diarrhoea either during or after using Zindaclin, particularly if it becomes severe or persistent, or contains blood or mucus, you should stop using Zindaclin 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 Zindaclin gel. 

Can I use Zindaclin gel 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 Zindaclin.
  • If you find that Zindaclin 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 benzoyl peroxide or 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 Zindaclin on your skin.

References:

https://www.dokteronline.com/en/zindaclin

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-hair/a8342/zindaclin-gel-clindamycin/

https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/site-tools/

https://www.drugs.com/uk/zindaclin-1-gel-leaflet.html