clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin at a glance
Medicine class
Topical antibiotic plus topical retinoid
Licensed use
Acne with comedones, papules and pustules in people aged 12 years or older
Route
Gel for external use on the skin
Sun protection
Limit UV exposure, avoid sunbeds and use suitable protective clothing and sunscreen
What is clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin used for?
Its UK licence covers topical treatment of acne when blocked pores and inflamed lesions are both present.
Comedones, including blackheads and whiteheads
Papules and pustules
How does clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin work?
Clindamycin is converted in the skin to an antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein production and has anti-inflammatory effects. Tretinoin normalises shedding and turnover inside hair follicles, helping prevent and clear comedones while reducing inflammation.
clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1% + 0.025% w/w
How to take clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin
Use only on the skin and follow the prescription label.
Gently wash the face with mild soap and dry it before application.
Spread the prescribed amount across the affected facial area rather than treating individual spots only.
Avoid the eyes, eyelids, lips, nostrils, mouth, mucous membranes and broken, eczematous or sunburnt skin.
Wash your hands after applying it.
Avoid sunbeds and excessive sunlight; use protective clothing and suitable sunscreen.
clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dryness, redness or itching
- Burning, stinging or irritation where applied
- Peeling or a scaly rash
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight or sunburn
Get urgent medical advice
- Prolonged or significant diarrhoea or abdominal cramps
- Severe or persistent skin irritation
- Hypersensitivity or a serious allergic reaction
clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin in pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy or while planning pregnancy. Effective contraception is required for people who could become pregnant. If pregnancy occurs, stop treatment and contact the prescriber promptly. Although absorption from topical retinoids is usually low, fetal risk cannot be excluded.
clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin while breastfeeding
The selected product should not be used while breastfeeding. It is unknown whether topical tretinoin or clindamycin enters breast milk, and the product-specific licence advises avoidance.
clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin interactions
Check other skin treatments and medicines with the prescriber or pharmacist before combining them with this gel.
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulphur, resorcinol and chemical exfoliants
Peeling or keratolytic products can substantially increase irritation. Existing peeling should settle before treatment begins.
Drying cleansers, abrasive soaps, alcohol-rich products and astringents
These can worsen dryness, burning and irritation.
Erythromycin
Laboratory evidence suggests antagonism with clindamycin, so concurrent use should be avoided unless specifically directed.
Common questions about clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What type of acne does clindamycin phosphate + tretinoin treat?
It is licensed for acne containing comedones, papules and pustules. It is not intended for deep cystic, conglobate or fulminant acne.
Can it make acne or irritation worse at first?
Dryness, redness, burning, peeling or apparent worsening can occur. Discuss severe or persistent irritation with the prescriber.
Can I wear makeup while using it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.