Acnatac

Acnatac is a prescription-only combination gel for the topical treatment of moderate inflammatory acne (acne with papules and pustules). It contains two active ingredients: the retinoid tretinoin and the antibiotic clindamycin.

Combining a retinoid with an antibiotic allows effective treatment of both the comedonal and the inflammatory component of acne. In addition, tretinoin reduces the development of antibiotic resistance.

Acnatac is applied once daily in the evening.

The two active ingredients complement each other:

Tretinoin (0.025%):

• Classic retinoid (vitamin A acid)
• Normalizes disturbed keratinization
• Prevents and loosens comedones
• Promotes skin renewal
• Reduces the development of resistance to clindamycin

Clindamycin (1%):

• Antibiotic of the lincosamide class
• Inhibits the growth of Cutibacterium acnes
• Reduces inflammation

Synergistic effect: Tretinoin enhances the effect of clindamycin through better penetration while also reducing the risk of resistance.

Acnatac is suitable for:

• Patients aged 12 years and older with moderate inflammatory acne
• Acne with predominantly papules and pustules
• When single active ingredients are not sufficiently effective

Less suitable in case of:

• Very sensitive or dry skin
• Purely comedonal acne without inflammation

Not suitable in case of:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• A history of antibiotic-associated colitis

Active ingredient concentration:

• Tretinoin: 0.25 mg/g (0.025%)
• Clindamycin: 10 mg/g (1%)

Pack sizes:

• 30 g tube
• 60 g tube

Application: Once daily in the evening.

Application: 1. In the evening, wash your face with a mild cleanser 2. Let the skin dry completely (15-20 minutes) 3. Put a pea-sized amount of gel on a fingertip and dab it onto your chin, cheeks, nose and forehead 4. Spread it over the entire affected area 5. Avoid the eye area, lips and mucous membranes

Duration of treatment:

• A maximum of 12 weeks because of the antibiotic component
• If needed, switch to a retinoid alone afterwards

Important notes:

• Sun protection during the day is a must
• Do not use any other irritating products
• In case of severe irritation, apply every other day

Do not use in case of:

• Pregnancy (tretinoin is teratogenic)
• Breastfeeding
• Hypersensitivity to tretinoin, clindamycin or lincomycin
• A history of antibiotic-associated colitis
• Acute eczema, sunburn

Use with caution in case of:

• Women of childbearing age without reliable contraception
• Very sensitive skin
• Atopic dermatitis

Common:

• Dry skin
• Scaling
• Skin redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Worsening of acne at the beginning

Uncommon:

• Sunburn-like reactions
• Hyperpigmentation
• Skin irritation

Rare:

• Pseudomembranous colitis
• Allergic reactions

Initial worsening: Typical in the first weeks – followed by improvement.

Do not combine with:

• Erythromycin (topical or systemic)
• Other retinoids
• Strongly drying products

Use with caution with:

• AHA/BHA peels
• Alcohol-containing products
• Other topical antibiotics