Acne Treatment with Tretinoin Cream and Clindamycin/Benzoyl Peroxide Gel

Application and Usage

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying tretinoin cream once daily at bedtime and clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel once daily in the evening to maximize efficacy while minimizing irritation 1, 2
Apply clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel first as a thin layer to the entire affected area once daily in the evening, followed by tretinoin cream as a thin layer once daily before bedtime to skin where acne lesions occur 1, 2
The combination of clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel and tretinoin cream is significantly more effective than either agent alone for inflammatory acne 2

Minimize all sun exposure and avoid tanning beds completely during treatment because both medications cause significant photosensitivity 1, 2, 5, 3, 4
Avoid using other drying or irritating products, including astringents, alcohol-containing toiletries, medicated soaps, or harsh scrubs, as they can worsen irritation 1, 2, 5
Do not use clindamycin with erythromycin-containing products due to drug interactions 1, 2, 5
The combination is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, or lincomycin 1, 2, 4

Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is pregnancy category C, and tretinoin is also pregnancy category C 1, 2, 5
Unknown if these medications are excreted in breast milk after topical application 1, 2, 5
Safety not established for clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide in children <12 years and for tretinoin in children <10 years 1, 2, 5

Once acne is controlled, continue regular application until your physician instructs otherwise, as maintenance therapy is needed to prevent recurrence 6