Dalacin T

What is Dalacin T used for?

Dalacin T was an antibiotic lotion containing clindamycin as its active ingredient. It’s typically used for the treatment of acne in adults,^[1] but it can be used to treat various other skin conditions like rosacea, staphylococcal skin infections (cellulitis, impetigo, boils and abscesses), hidradenitis suppurativa and folliculitis.^[2]

While hidradenitis suppurativa and folliculitis both affect the hair follicles, there are some differences between them. Hidradenitis suppurativa causes painful lumps, cysts and scarring in areas where skin rubs against skin, like your armpits or groin. It’s caused by abnormal immune responses and hair follicle blockages (so not infections).^[3]

Folliculitis, on the other hand, makes your hair follicles inflamed, leading to red bumps that can itch or hurt. It can happen anywhere on your body where you’ve got hair. It can be caused by infections, ingrown hairs or some medications.^[4]

How does Dalacin T work?

Clindamycin, the active ingredient in Dalacin T, is an antibiotic that falls under the lincosamide class. It was developed in 1966 by modifying a natural compound called lincomycin. Although clindamycin isn’t active per se, it’s converted by your body into a molecule that can fight off bacteria responsible for folliculitis or other skin infections. This “active form” of clindamycin works by stopping bacteria from making proteins by sticking to a part of the bacteria called the 50S ribosomal subunit.

When used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa, where the cause isn’t a bacterial infection, clindamycin helps by reducing inflammation. Studies in mice have shown that it can decrease the production of cytokines, which are molecules involved in inflammation.^[5]

How to use Dalacin T

Just like with any other treatment, it’s important to follow your clinician’s instructions when using Dalacin T topical lotion.

Typically, you’d be prescribed to use it twice a day. Here are some general guidelines on how to use Dalacin T topical lotion:

• Before you use the lotion, make sure to shake the bottle well and wash the area of your skin that needs treatment.
• Apply a thin layer of the lotion to the affected area by gently rubbing it in. You can use a cotton pad or your fingers for this.
• Wash and dry your hands before and after using the lotion.

Some patients may have felt a slight burning sensation when they applied the lotion to the affected area, but this was normal and nothing to worry about.

How long does Dalacin T take to work?

Keep in mind that the time it took for Dalacin T topical lotion to work can vary from person to person. For folliculitis, you could generally expect to see improvements within 7 to 10 days. ^[1]

What if I make a mistake while applying Dalacin T?

Don’t worry if you forget to apply Clindamycin a couple of times. Just carry on with your treatment as soon as you remember. Don’t stop using it immediately after your symptoms start improving. Because Clindamycin is an antibiotic, it’s very important to complete the full course as instructed by your clinician. Stopping the treatment too early can increase the risk of bacterial resistance and make the infection more difficult to treat.

Who can take Dalacin T?

Dalacin T topical lotion was safe for most people to use. You should, however, tell your clinician if you:

• have allergies to clindamycin, lincomycin or any other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.
• have a history of inflammatory bowel disease or antibiotic-associated colitis.
• are prone to diarrhea or if you have previously experienced it while taking antibiotics.

If you develop severe, prolonged or bloody diarrhoea while using Clindamycin (the active ingredient in Dalacin T topical lotion), it’s important that you tell your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of bowel inflammation known as pseudomembranous colitis, which can sometimes occur as a result of antibiotic treatment.