“What effects does Zebiax have on acne, and how should it be used?”
“I want to know about the side effects and precautions for Zebiax.”

If these are questions on your mind, read on.

Zebiax is a type of acne medication. When applied to the affected area, it may help treat acne and superficial skin infections.

It can be used in combination with other acne treatments; however, simultaneous application may cause discoloration, so care must be taken with how and in what order the medications are applied.

This page explains the effects, usage, side effects, and precautions of Zebiax.

If you are concerned about acne or acne scars, please also refer to the articles below.

They introduce the types and treatment options for acne and acne scars, so you can consider the approach that best suits your concerns.

Types and Causes of Acne — Treatments and Fees Explained

 

At our clinic, we propose treatment plans tailored to each individual patient and are committed to delivering results.
We will carefully listen to your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.

What Is Zebiax? A Topical Antibacterial Agent for Acne on the Face and Back

Zebiax is a topical antibacterial agent belonging to the quinolone class.

When applied to the skin, it may help improve inflammatory acne (red pimples). In addition to acne, it may also be useful in the treatment of skin ulcers, erosions, and impetigo.

Furthermore, compared with other antibacterial agents, Zebiax requires fewer applications. Since it only needs to be applied once daily, it is more convenient than antibacterials that require multiple daily applications.

Other quinolone topical antibacterial agents include “Aquatim” and “Nadifloxacin,” in addition to Zebiax.

Zebiax Is Available in Two Forms: Lotion and Oily Cream

Zebiax is available in two formulations: a lotion and an oily cream.

“Zebiax Lotion 2%” has been on the market since January 2016, while “Zebiax Oily Cream” has been available since June 2021. There is no difference in bactericidal efficacy or potency between the two, but they differ in texture and feel.

Zebiax Lotion 2% has a viscous consistency that resists dripping, while Zebiax Oily Cream has a texture similar to an ointment.

On the other hand, Zebiax Oily Cream has a low moisture content and contains no alcohol, meaning it is less likely to sting upon application.

Zebiax Has Stronger Antibacterial Activity Than Dalacin T

Zebiax Oily Cream may offer stronger antibacterial activity than “Dalacin T” or “Aquatim.”

Dalacin T and Aquatim are topical antibacterial agents that may help improve acne.

Zebiax has a lower MIC value than “clindamycin,” the active ingredient in Dalacin T, and “nadifloxacin,” the active ingredient in Aquatim. The MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) is the lowest concentration at which bacterial growth can be inhibited; a lower MIC value means that a smaller amount may be sufficient to achieve a bactericidal effect.

For this reason, Zebiax Oily Cream may offer a higher level of efficacy against acne compared with other antibacterial agents.

What Are the Effects of Zebiax? Treating Pustular Acne and Superficial Skin Infections

Zebiax may help improve pustular acne and superficial skin infections.

Zebiax exerts its bactericidal action by inhibiting DNA replication in bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) and Staphylococcus aureus.

C. acnes is a causative agent of acne, while Staphylococcus aureus can cause superficial skin infections; Zebiax may therefore help improve both conditions.

Which Types of Acne Does Zebiax Work On? It Is Not Effective for Whiteheads or Acne Scars

Zebiax may help improve red papules and pustules (inflammatory acne). It is not expected to be effective against whiteheads or acne scars.

Acne can be classified into the following five stages:

Because Zebiax is an antibacterial agent, it targets acne at stages where bacteria are actively proliferating, such as red papules and pustules. It is not expected to be effective for early-stage acne such as whiteheads and blackheads, or for acne scars.

Before using Zebiax, it is advisable to identify which stage your acne is currently at.

Is Zebiax Lotion Ineffective? How Long It May Take to See Results

You may be wondering, “When will I start to notice the effects of Zebiax?”

As a general guideline, it may take approximately three months before the effects of Zebiax become apparent. After around three months, the number of acne lesions may reduce by approximately half.

Because it can take time to notice a difference, some people may feel that Zebiax Lotion is not working.

Since treatment with Zebiax alone can be slow, it is typically used in combination with other acne treatments to achieve improvement.

How to Use and Apply Zebiax — Before Toner? Apply to Affected Area Once Daily in the Morning

Zebiax Lotion is applied to the affected area once daily.

The general routine is as follows:

1. Cleanse your face (evening)
2. Apply toner and lotion/emulsion (evening)
3. Apply Zebiax (morning)
4. Skincare and makeup (morning)

Toner and lotion/emulsion are applied after bathing in the evening or just before bed. The following morning, apply Zebiax Lotion first, then proceed with the rest of your skincare routine and makeup.

When applying Zebiax, take an appropriate amount on your index finger and gently dab it only onto the acne lesions. After application, be sure to wash your hands.

The same method applies to Zebiax Oily Cream.

Who Should Not Use Zebiax? Those Who Are Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or Children

The use of Zebiax is not recommended for pregnant women, those who may be pregnant, or those who are breastfeeding.

This is because there is a possibility of effects on the fetus or infant.

In addition, clinical trials of Zebiax have not been conducted in children under 13 years of age. Caution is required when considering its use in children, as risks have not been fully established.

If You Forget to Apply Zebiax, Apply It as Soon as You Remember

If you realize you have forgotten to apply Zebiax, apply one dose as soon as you remember.

If the next scheduled application is approaching, skip that missed dose. Do not apply Zebiax twice in one day or apply a double dose at once to compensate for a missed application.

What Are the Side Effects of Zebiax? Skin Peeling and a Stinging Sensation

Possible side effects associated with the use of Zebiax include:

• Itching
• Dryness
• Skin peeling (fine flaking of the skin)
• Stinging sensation
• Flushing

Among these side effects, itching has been reported in 1% or more of cases, while the other symptoms occur in less than 1% of cases. No serious side effects have been reported with Zebiax.

What to Do If the Application Site Is Itchy

Itching at the application site may occur after using Zebiax.

Unless the side effects are severe, do not stop applying the medication on your own judgment even if symptoms are present. Instead, consult a doctor or pharmacist first.

Where Can You Get Zebiax? It Is Not Available Over the Counter at Pharmacies or on Amazon

Zebiax is a prescription-only medication and is not sold over the counter; it cannot be purchased at pharmacies or through online retailers such as Amazon.

While it may be possible to purchase overseas versions through personal import, this carries risks including health hazards from counterfeit medications.

If you wish to use Zebiax, please visit a medical institution to receive a prescription.

Can Zebiax Be Used with Epiduo or Duac? The Order of Application When Used Together

In addition to Zebiax, other acne medications include “Epiduo (benzoyl peroxide/adapalene)” and “Duac.” Zebiax can be used in combination with these medications.

However, applying topical antibacterial agents at the same time carries a risk of causing Zebiax to discolor.

When using Zebiax alongside other topical antibacterial agents, it is important to avoid layering them on top of each other. Pay attention to ensure the medications do not mix—for example, by following a routine such as “use Zebiax in the morning and Epiduo or Duac in the evening.”

By cleansing your face before applying Zebiax, you can remove any preparation applied the night before.

Please Visit a Medical Institution to Use or Obtain Zebiax

Zebiax is a type of acne medication. When applied to the affected area, it may provide a bactericidal effect against C. acnes and Staphylococcus aureus.

Zebiax is classified as a prescription-only medication and is not available over the counter. It cannot be purchased at Amazon or pharmacies, so you will need to have it prescribed at a medical institution.

If you are struggling with acne, we encourage you to visit a medical institution and discuss whether Zebiax may be appropriate for you.

If you are concerned about acne or acne scars, please also refer to the articles below.

They introduce the types and treatment options for acne and acne scars, so you can consider the approach that best suits your concerns.

Types and Causes of Acne Scars — Treatments and Fees Explained

 

At our clinic, we propose treatment plans tailored to each individual patient and are committed to delivering results.
We will carefully listen to your concerns and symptoms, so please use the button below to book a consultation.