Duac Gel

Buy Duac Once Daily Gel online for effective acne treatment

Do you have a preference?
All-inclusive service

prescription included

Fast next day delivery

order before 2pm

UK registered pharmacy

and team of dispensers

About Duac Gel
  1. What is Duac Gel?

    Duac Gel is a topical acne treatment and is the first line treatment for mild to moderate acne.

    Duac gel works by killing and stopping the spread of bacteria present on the skin that is responsible for causing acne, spots, and pimples.

    This antibiotic gel contains two medicines, clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. These active ingredients work together to kill the bacteria that is responsible for spreading acne.

    Most people who use Duac gel once a day will notice an improvement after between 2 and 4 weeks.

    What is Duac gel used to treat?

    Duac Gel is an effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of acne. It successfully treats acne by reducing the appearance of whiteheads, blackheads and the spread of bacteria responsible for causing acne. If you cannot take oral treatments, Duac Gel makes an excellent and effective topical alternative.

    According to the NHS, about 95% of people between the ages of 11 and 30 are affected by acne to some extent.

    How does Duac gel work to treat acne?

    Clindamycin is a topical antibiotic and is the first line treatment for mild to moderate acne.

    It works by stopping the bacteria in acne from reproducing and spreading on the skin, causing spots, inflammation (redness) and other symptoms of acne.

    Benzoyl peroxide removes blockages in the pores of your skin; it also has antibacterial properties. After clindamycin has stopped the bacteria from reproducing, benzoyl peroxide can then kill the bacteria, which reduces pimples, inflammation and improves the appearance of acne.

    When used together, these two medicines can also help to treat existing whiteheads and blackheads.

    How long does Duac gel take to work?

    Generally, people who use this product to treat acne will start to notice initial results after using Duac once a day for between 2 and 4 weeks.

    Your skin should have cleared up completely after using Duac for three months. After this period of time, you are normally advised to keep applying the gel to the skin to prevent a relapse in your acne symptoms.

    Does Duac Gel improve the appearance of acne scars?

    Some people find that a secondary benefit of Duac is that it can lessen the appearance of acne scars on the skin. Acne scars are generally difficult to treat, but they do tend to fade over time.

    To lessen the risk and severity of scarring, you should not squeeze or pick your spots.

    Other treatments, particularly those containing retinoids such as Treclin Gel, are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

    Who can use Duac Gel?

    Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin or any of the other ingredients contained in the gel (please refer to the Ingredients tab for full details).

    Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this treatment if you have or have ever had any of the following gut conditions:

    • Ulcerative colitis
    • Regional enteritis
    • Antibiotic-associated colitis

    Can you buy Duac gel over the counter?

    Duac gel is a prescription only medicine, you can not buy it over the counter and can only purchase it if you have a prescription from a doctor or prescriber.

    Can you buy Duac gel online in the UK?

    You can buy Duac online from regulated pharmacies like Medicine Direct. However, as this is a prescription-only medicine (POM), you will be required to complete a confidential questionnaire for one of our prescribers to review. This is to make certain that Duac Gel is the most appropriate treatment for your acne.

    Next day delivery is available on orders that are placed before 2pm.

    What alternatives are there to Duac?

    Over the counter medicines may be enough to control your acne. Benzoyl peroxide is a common ingredient in pharmacy treatments for acne, so you may find that you do not need a prescription-only medication like Duac to control the problem.

    Acne products containing retinoids such as Treclin Gel and Differin and cream are also highly effective treatments.

    Medicine Direct stocks various treatments for this skin condition. Other topical treatments we stock include Acnecide, Zineryt and Dalacin T. All of these medicines can be bought after an online consultation.

    Our full range of acne medicines can be viewed on the Acne product page.

  2. Duac Gel Dosage and Directions

    Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE prescribing guidelines when prescribing Duac Gel.

    The table below shows how much you should use depending on the area you are treating.

    Face only

    One fingertip (the first crease on your finger)

    Face and back

    Two and a half fingertips

    Do not use Duac for longer than 12 weeks.

    This medicine is for topical use only - keep it away from your eyes, lips, mouth and nostrils. If the treatment comes into contact with any of these areas, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

    How to use Duac Gel

    You should apply Duac Gel once a day, in the evening. Your doctor will tell you how long you should use it for.

    1. Remove any makeup you may have on your face.
    2. Wash the affected area well before rinsing with warm water and gently patting it dry.
    3. Using your fingertips, apply a thin layer of gel to the entire area of affected skin.
    4. Do not just apply to individual spots; apply the gel to all the areas of your skin affected by acne.
    5. Wash your hands after you have applied the medicine.

    Read the patient information leaflet for full instructions.

  3. Duac Gel Side effects

    Like all medicines, Duac Once Daily Gel comes with the risk of certain side effects, although not everyone gets them.

    Common side effects of Duac include:

    • Redness, peeling or dryness of the skin
    • Headaches
    • Burning, pain or sensitivity to sunlight

    Some people may experience:

    • Tingling
    • Worsening of acne
    • Red, itchy skin
    • Rash

    Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these reactions bother you or do not go away.

    Please refer to the Side Effects tab for rarer reactions.

    Serious Side Effects

    You should stop using this gel and seek medical attention if you suffer any of the following side effects of Duac:

    • Severe or prolonged abdominal cramps or diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea)
    • Inflammation of the intestine

    In rare cases you may suffer a severe allergic reaction and require immediate treatment in hospital. Stop using the gel and call 999 or go to A&E straight away if:

    • You develop a skin rash that may have red, itchy, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
    • You are finding it difficult to breathe or speak
    • You have swelling in your face, mouth, throat, tongue or lips
    • You have tightness in your chest or throat
    • You are wheezing

    Always read the patient information leaflet for full details on side effects

  4. Duac Gel Warnngs and Drug Interactions

    Inform your doctor if you are already taking any of the following:

    • Any other form of acne treatment
    • Any medicated or 'abrasive' soaps or cleansers
    • Soaps or cosmetics that have a strong drying effect
    • Any products containing large amounts of astringents or alcohol
    • Any products that contain tretinoin, isotretinoin or tazarotene
    • Any medicines containing erythromycin

    For more information on medicines that interact with Duac Gel.

    Is it safe to use Duac Gel during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

    There is only limited information available as to whether Duac Once Daily Gel is suitable to be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    For this reason, you should inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding, before you start to use this gel.

  5. Duac Gel Ingredients

    The main active ingredients within this medicine are: Benzoyl peroxide and Clindamycin phosphate

    For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics

  6. How much does Duac Gel cost to buy online in the UK?

    Dosage Quantity Price
    Duac Gel 3% 1 x 30g tube £23.99
    Duac Gel 5% 1 x 30g tube £21.99
  7. Does acne come back after you stop using Duac?


    You should not apply Duac for longer than 12 weeks. Your condition should have cleared by the time your doctor tells you to stop using Duac. However, if your skin is naturally oily, there is a risk that your acne may return. If this happens, speak to your doctor.

    Can Duac make acne worse?


    An uncommon side effect of this gel is that acne may get worse. However, this only occurs in less than 1 in 100 people who use Duac.

    Do you wash Duac off in the morning?


    Duac Once Daily Gel should be applied in the evening. You should wash your face before you apply the gel, and you can wash your face as usual the next morning.

    Can you use a moisturiser while using Duac?


    Yes, you can apply a moisturiser while using this treatment. If you suffer from any skin irritation while using Duac, it is advisable to use an oil-free moisturiser to soothe the skin.

    How long should I leave Duac on for?


    You should apply Duac in the evening, after washing the affected areas of skin. You can wash your skin as usual the next morning.

    How long should I use Duac for?


    Typically, you will be prescribed Duac for 6 weeks, after which your doctor will assess your symptoms to see if there has been an improvement. You must not use the gel for longer than 12 consecutive weeks.

    Are there other acne treatments I can buy?


    Yes, while acne can be a very embarrassing problem to deal with, there are a large number of treatments available. You should speak to your doctor about your acne, as they will be able to assess the condition and advise on the most suitable medication for you; some people only need a topical treatment, while others may need a combination of topical and oral medicines.

    Can I drink alcohol with it?


    Yes, there are no harmful interactions between Alcohol and Duac Gel. It is safe to drink alcohol while using Duac.

    Can lifestyle changes help with acne?


    Yes, certain changes can help with acne, such as: removing makeup from your face at the end of each day, washing your hair regularly and taking regular exercise.

    Do I need a prescription for Duac gel?


    Yes, duac is a prescription only medicine in the UK.

    Does Duac get rid of blackheads and whiteheads?


    Yes, the active ingredient Benzoyl peroxide is highly effective at killing the bacteria responsible for blackheads and whiteheads.

    Will I get any side effects when using Duac?


    Common side effects of duac include, dry skin, redness, burning, itching, stinging and flaky skin. Side effects will usually subside after a couple of weeks.
This page has recently been medically reviewed by Hussain Abdeh MPharm: 2211840

Updated on: 20/08/2021

This content has been written by our Superintendent Pharmacist Hussain Abdeh and has been medically reviewed by our Pharmacist Sonia Khan

Hussain Abdeh Superintendent Pharmacist at Medicine Direct

Hussain Abdeh
MPharm: 2211840

Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

How it works - get your medicine in 3 simple steps

  • 1 Choose your treatment Select the treatment or medication you need and answer a few questions online regarding your condition.
  • 2 Online consultation Our Independent Prescribers will review your questions and assess your suitability for the medication.
  • 3 Receive your delivery Your medication is dispensed and delivered directly to you from our UK based Pharmacy.

Related products

No Related guide Posts

Customers have rated us Excellent on trustpilot
We’re here to help

If you need any help, don't hesitate to get in touch, we would love to hear from you!

Copyright © 2022 Pharmacorp LTD. All rights reserved.