Topicil™
Clindamycin phosphate 1% Topical Solution
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about TOPICIL. It does not contain
all the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor and pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor or pharmacist has weighed
the risks of you using TOPICIL against the benefits this medicine is expected to
have for you.
If you have any concerns about using this medicine, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine
You may need to read it again.
What TOPICIL is used for
TOPICIL contains the active ingredient clindamycin.
TOPICIL is an antibiotic solution which is applied to the skin for the
treatment of acne which has not been responsive to non-antibiotic therapy.
TOPICIL works by stopping the growth of bacteria which cause infection.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why TOPICIL has been
prescribed for you.
This medicine is available only with a doctor's prescription.
Before you use TOPICIL
When you must not use it
Do not use TOPICIL if you have had an allergy to:
- clindamycin
- lincomycin (an antibiotic)
- any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
- skin rash
- difficulty breathing
- swelling
Do not use TOPICIL if you have a history of inflammation of the large
bowel, small intestine or antibiotic-associated inflammation to these areas.
Do not use TOPICIL if you are breastfeeding.
Do not use TOPICIL if you are under 12 years of age.
Do not use TOPICIL if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering or
if the solution show visible signs of deterioration.
Do not use TOPICIL near heat or flame.
Do not use TOPICIL after the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack.
If you use this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as
well.
Before you start using it
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any other medicines,
foods, dyes or preservatives. - Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are prone to allergic reactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using this medicine during
pregnancy. - Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Clindamycin may enter the breast milk. An alternative to breastfeeding should
be used.
TOPICIL contains alcohol. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth or mucus membranes
while using TOPICIL. If contact occurs, apply copious amounts of water to the
affected area.
In rare instances, TOPICIL may give rise to:
- diarrhoea
- bloody diarrhoea
- colitis (abdominal cramps)
Symptoms may develop after a few days, weeks or months after therapy begins.
Symptoms may also be observed several weeks after therapy finishes. Tell your
doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using TOPICIL.
TOPICIL is unlikely to produce an effect on the ability to drive or use
machinery, however, care should be taken until you know how this medicine
affects you.
There is no evidence this medicine is addictive.
Using other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicines, including medicines
that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health
food shop. Some medicines may interfere with TOPICIL. These include products
containing benzoyl peroxide.
Your doctor and pharmacist may have more information on medicines to be
careful with or avoid while using this medicine.
How to use TOPICIL
How much to use and how to use it
Carefully follow all directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. If
you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or
pharmacist for help.
- Clean and dry skin to be treated before application
- Apply a thin layer of TOPICIL to the affected area twice daily
- Use a dabbing motion rather than a rolling motion
TOPICIL should not make contact with eyes, mouth or mucus membranes. If
contact occurs, apply copious amounts of water to the affected area.
If your acne does not improve or becomes worse, see your doctor or
pharmacist.
If you forget to use it
Apply TOPICIL when you remember, unless it is almost time for your next
application, in which case wait and apply at the next application time.
This medicine is not to be taken internally.
While you are using TOPICIL
Things you must do
If you become pregnant while you are using TOPICIL tell your doctor.
If you are about to start taking a new medicine tell your doctor and
pharmacist that you are using TOPICIL.
Things you must not do
Do not give TOPICIL to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as
you.
Do not use TOPICIL to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Side effects
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the
time they are not.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
- stomach upset
- diarrhoea
- dry skin
- stomach pain
- oily skin
- skin irritation
- stinging of the eye
- itchy and inflamed hair roots
- painful joints
Tell your doctor immediately, or go to the nearest Accident and Emergency
Department if you notice any of the following side effects during use or several
weeks after stopping treatment with TOPICIL:
- severe diarrhoea, which may also be bloody
- severe abdominal cramps
- fever, in combination with one or both of the above
- severe skin reactions
- yellow skin
- low urine production
Do not take any diarrhoea medicine without checking with your doctor first.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you
unwell.
Do not be alarmed by this list. They are rare side effects. You may not
experience any of them.
Overdose
Immediately telephone a doctor, or the Poisons Information Centre (telephone
0800 POISON and 0800 764 766) or go to the accident and Emergency Department at
your nearest hospital, if you think you or anyone else may be experiencing
severe side effects due to TOPICIL (see side effects). In the event of
accidental ingestion, contact the above numbers even if there are no signs of
discomfort or poisoning.
Storage
Store TOPICIL between 15-30°C. Keep TOPICIL away from heat and flame. Do not
leave it in the car or on a window sill.
Heat can destroy some medicines.
Keep it out of reach of children. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half
metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Disposal
When you have stopped using TOPICIL or if it has passed it's expiry date, ask
your pharmacist what to do with any left over solution.
Product description
What it looks like
TOPICIL is a clear alcoholic solution in a 30 mL clear glass bottle with
dab-o-matic top.
Other Ingredients
Purified water, Isopropyl alcohol and Propylene glycol.