Clindamycin/tretinoin is a

topical gel Topical gels are a topical drug delivery dosage form commonly used in cosmetics and treatments for skin diseases because of their advantages over cream and ointment. They are formed from a mixture of gelator, solvent, active drug, and other excipie ...

used in the treatment of

acne Acne ( ), also known as ''acne vulgaris'', is a long-term Cutaneous condition, skin condition that occurs when Keratinocyte, dead skin cells and Sebum, oil from the skin clog hair follicles. Typical features of the condition include comedo, ...

. The two active ingredients are the antibiotic

clindamycin Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic medication used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections, including osteomyelitis (bone) or joint infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, strep throat, pneumonia, acute otitis media (mi ...

phosphate (1.2%) and

tretinoin Tretinoin, also known as all-''trans'' retinoic acid (ATRA), is a medication used for the treatment of acne and acute promyelocytic leukemia. For acne, it is applied to the skin as a cream, gel or ointment. For acute promyelocytic leukemia, ...

(0.025%), a

retinoid The retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are natural derivatives of vitamin A or are chemically related to it. Synthetic retinoids are utilized in cosmetic formulations, clinical dermatology, and the treatment of some forms of cancer ...

. The two active ingredients perform different functions, the clindamycin is active against gram-positive bacteria, including streptococci and penicillin-resistant staphylococci. The Tretinoin element acts to reduce the amount of oil released by oil glands in skin, as well as encouraging skin cell replenishment. The topical treatment is stored in 2, 30, and 60 gram tubes and should be stored at 25°C (77°F), with the tube tightly shut away from light. Side effects may include peeling, redness, dryness, itching and photosensitivity. Also, topical clindamycin may rarely cause diarrhea or

colitis Colitis is swelling or inflammation Inflammation (from ) is part of the biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. The five cardinal signs are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and ...

. Sun exposure while using this preparation can cause skin irritation.

Citations

Anti-acne preparations Combination drugs {{dermatologic-drug-stub