Uses

Indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that reduces Cutibacterium acnes colonization, while tretinoin is a retinoid that normalizes follicular keratinization and decreases microcomedo formation.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in patients with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis. Avoid in patients with hypersensitivity to clindamycin, lincomycin, tretinoin, or any excipient in the formulation.

Side effects

Local skin reactions including erythema, scaling, itching, burning, and stinging are the most common. Systemic effects may include nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain, dry skin, cough, and sinusitis. Severe colitis, including pseudomembranous colitis, has been reported with clindamycin use.

Warnings

Clindamycin can cause severe colitis which may be fatal; discontinue use if significant diarrhea or bloody stools develop. Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes. Tretinoin increases photosensitivity; use sun protection during treatment. Not recommended during pregnancy due to retinoid risk.

How it works

Clindamycin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit, reducing Cutibacterium acnes proliferation. Tretinoin binds to retinoic acid receptors, decreasing cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells, stimulating follicular epithelial turnover, and reducing microcomedo formation.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15–30°C (59–86°F). Protect from light and freezing. Keep out of reach of children.