Topalen

Description

Topalen Gel: Your Guide to Use

Topalen Gel is a topical treatment for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. It’s effective for both inflammatory acne (pimples, pustules) and non-inflammatory acne (blackheads, whiteheads), and can be used alone or with other anti-acne products.

How to Use

• Adults: Apply a thin layer of gel to the affected skin once daily, in the evening before bed.
• Children (under 12): The safety and effectiveness of Topalen Gel in this age group haven’t been established.

Application Instructions:

1. Wash the affected area with a mild, soap-free cleanser.
2. Rinse thoroughly with water.
3. Using clean fingers, apply a small amount of gel and gently rub it into the skin, covering the entire affected area lightly.

Important Considerations

Do Not Use If:

• You are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin, or adapalene.
• You have a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis.

Precautions:

• Diarrhea and Colitis: Although rare with topical use, clindamycin can be absorbed through the skin and may lead to diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, or a serious condition called pseudomembranous colitis. These can even occur weeks after stopping treatment.
• Skin Sensitivity: Avoid applying Topalen Gel to cuts, scrapes, sunburned skin, or eczema.
• Avoid Contact: Keep the gel away from your eyes, mouth, nostrils, and other sensitive areas. If accidental contact occurs, rinse immediately with warm water.
• Sun Exposure: Limit exposure to strong natural sunlight and artificial UV light (like tanning beds). It’s recommended to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing over treated areas.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using Topalen Gel. It’s unknown if it passes into breast milk, so use with caution if breastfeeding.

Interactions:

• Neuromuscular Blockers: Use with caution if you are taking other medications that have neuromuscular blocking properties, as clindamycin may enhance their effects.
• Other Retinoids: Do not use Topalen Gel concurrently with other retinoid-containing products or drugs with a similar mechanism of action.

Potential Side Effects

Local Skin Reactions (Common):

These may affect up to 1 in 10 people at the application site:

• Dry skin
• Skin irritation
• Burning sensation
• Redness (erythema)
• Peeling

Less Common Local Skin Reactions (Uncommon):

These may affect up to 1 in 100 people:

• Local skin reactions (contact dermatitis)
• Skin discomfort
• Sunburn
• Itching (pruritus)
• Flaking skin (exfoliation)
• Acne flare-up

Systemic Side Effects (Rare):

These are very rare with topical clindamycin, but have been reported with oral and injected forms:

• Diarrhea
• Bloody diarrhea
• Colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis)
• Abdominal pain
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Gram-negative folliculitis

How It Works

Topalen Gel combines two active ingredients:

• Clindamycin: This antibiotic works by stopping the growth of bacteria that contribute to acne by interfering with their protein production.
• Adapalene: This is a retinoid-like compound that helps to normalize the growth of skin cells in hair follicles, which reduces the formation of blackheads and whiteheads.

Additional Information

Topalen 0.1% + 1% Gel is manufactured by Maruti Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Its generic name is Adapalene + Clindamycin Topical, and it is available in Nepal.