How to use Acnesone Gel

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the gel. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

How Medicine Works

Acnesone Gel is an antibiotic. It works by stopping the production of folic acid in acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes), thereby stopping their growth. In addition, its antiinflammatory effects help reduce redness and swelling due to acne.

Expert Advice

• You have been prescribed Acnesone Gel for the treatment of acne.
• Apply it precisely on the affected area as instructed by your doctor.
• Take care to avoid getting the gel in the eyes, mouth or nose. If it happens, rinse it out with plenty of warm water.
• Do not apply it on broken, infected or sunburnt areas of skin.
• It should not be used in children less than 12 years of age.
• Do not use more amount or more often than recommended as that will not make it any more effective but may irritate your skin.
• It may cause dryness and itching of the skin being treated. Inform your doctor if this bothers you.
• Stop using Acnesone Gel and inform your doctor if your lips, nail beds, or the inside of your mouth turns grey or blue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is Acnesone Gel an immunosuppressant or a steroid?

  Acnesone Gel is neither an immunosuppressant nor a steroid. It has anti-inflammatory (reduces, swelling, and itching) and antimicrobial (kills germs) properties. It is thought to act by eliminating microbes as well as having an anti-inflammatory effect on acne.

• Can Acnesone Gel be used during pregnancy and lactation?

  It is not known if Acnesone Gel can harm your unborn baby. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid it during pregnancy. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns. Acnesone Gel can pass into breast milk and may harm your baby. Your doctor will decide whether it is safe to continue or not.

• How should Acnesone Gel be applied?

  Wash and pat dry the area where you want to apply Acnesone Gel gel. Apply a pea-sized amount of gel in a thin layer to the areas of your skin that have acne. Rub it gently and completely. It may feel gritty and you may see particles in the gel. Remember to wash your hands after applying the gel.

• How long should Acnesone Gel be used?

  Your doctor will decide the duration of the treatment required. However, it is generally recommended that Acnesone Gel be used for 12 weeks (3 months).

• Can Acnesone Gel cause anemia?

  Patients with deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) have a greater risk of developing low hemoglobin level while using this medicine. But using the gel on the skin does not put enough Acnesone Gel in the blood to cause clinical symptoms of hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells).

• What medicines should be avoided while using Acnesone Gel?

  Tell your doctor if you are taking dapsone tablets, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole tablets or any antimalarial medications. If you take these medicines while using Acnesone Gel, you may be more susceptible to certain side effects. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicines which need to be applied to the skin, such as benzoyl peroxide. Using both these medicines together may make your skin or facial hair temporarily turn yellow or orange at the site of application.

• How to use Acnesone Gel?

  Before using Acnesone Gel, clean and dry the affected area. Gently and thoroughly massage it into the skin. Be careful not to get the medication in your eyes or mouth. If Acnesone Gel gets in your eyes accidentally, wash with plenty of water and call your doctor if your eyes are irritated.

• How long should I use Acnesone Gel?

  Use Acnesone Gel for the duration advised by your doctor. You may have to use it for several months to clear your acne completely. Even the initial benefits may take several weeks to appear following which you shall be able to note a gradual but definite improvement. Usually, Acnesone Gel should be used for a maximum of 12 weeks. You may need to use more than one tube of Acnesone Gel during each course of treatment.

• What does Acnesone Gel do for acne?

  Acnesone Gel treats and prevents acne by stopping the growth of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) which causes it. Acne is an extremely common skin condition. During adolescence, grease glands in the skin produce extra grease in response to normal amounts of sex hormones in the body which can cause blocked pores (i.e., blackheads). When this happens, the pores get invaded by bacteria. As a result, certain chemicals are produced which go into deeper parts of the skin to produce red spots filled with pus, called acne. Acnesone Gel effectively cures the inflammation and discomfort associated with acne, commonly known as pimples.

• What precautions do I need to take while using Acnesone Gel?

  Be careful not to get Acnesone Gel into your eyes or mouth. If you happen to get it in your eyes, rinse off with plenty of water immediately and contact your doctor. You must not use Acnesone Gel if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you notice any allergic reaction while using it for the first time. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines regularly to prevent any allergic reaction with other medicines. Do not cover the area being treated with Acnesone Gel with a bandage, as this may increase absorption of this medicine and increase the side effects. Do not use more than what is recommended to relieve your symptoms faster. Using more than what is advised will only increase the side effects. Let your doctor know if you are planning to conceive. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should use Acnesone Gel only if prescribed by the doctor.

• What should I do if I forget to use Acnesone Gel?

  If you forget to use Acnesone Gel, do not worry and continue using Acnesone Gel as soon as you remember. However, if you are not sure and have any other doubts, please consult your doctor.