Uses
What is topical tretinoin/clindamycin used for?
Topical tretinoin/clindamycin is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin. It often appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
Topical tretinoin/clindamycin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does topical tretinoin/clindamycin work (mechanism of action)?
Topical tretinoin/clindamycin, which is applied to the affected skin, has two ingredients: tretinoin and clindamycin. Tretinoin helps clear acne by making your skin shed old cells faster and preventing clogged pores. Clindamycin stops the growth of bacteria (germs) that cause acne.
How is topical tretinoin/clindamycin supplied (dosage forms)?
Topical tretinoin/clindamycin is available as Ziana and generic tretinoin/clindamycin as a 0.025%/1.2% topical gel that is applied to the skin.
How should I store topical tretinoin/clindamycin?
Topical tretinoin/clindamycin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Keep the tube tightly closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of topical tretinoin/clindamycin?
The most common side effects of topical tretinoin/clindamycin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Skin redness, itching, burning, stinging, and flaking
- Dry skin
There may be other side effects of topical tretinoin/clindamycin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of topical tretinoin/clindamycin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of topical tretinoin/clindamycin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical tretinoin/clindamycin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical tretinoin/clindamycin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Sensitivity to Sunlight. Your skin may be very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds, while you are taking certain drugs, including topical tretinoin/clindamycin. This is called photosensitivity. When using this medicine, you should use sunscreen and wear a protective hat and clothes every day. Exposing your skin to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be severely sunburned, blistered, or swollen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen. People who are regularly exposed to the sun should discuss protective measures with their healthcare provider.
Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including topical tretinoin/clindamycin, which contains the antibiotic clindamycin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 months after stopping the medicine. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.
- Watery diarrhea
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Blood in your stool (poop)
- Severe stomach cramps
- Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use topical tretinoin/clindamycin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical tretinoin/clindamycin.
- Tretinoin
- Clindamycin
- Ziana
- Veltin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical tretinoin/clindamycin products they stock.
Certain Bowel Conditions. Do not use topical tretinoin/clindamycin if you have a history of any of the following conditions that affect the bowel.
- Ulcerative colitis or any type of colitis (inflammation of the colon)
- Crohn’s disease
- Severe diarrhea with past use of an antibiotic
What should I know about topical tretinoin/clindamycin before using it?
Do not use topical tretinoin/clindamycin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Using the medicine more often than prescribed will not help it work faster and can cause excess skin irritation.
Topical tretinoin/clindamycin is only applied to your skin. Do not use the medicine in or on the eyes, mouth, lips, sides of the nose, or vagina.
Do not apply to sunburned skin. If your skin becomes sunburned while using topical tretinoin/clindamycin, stop using it until your skin heals. Also, stop using the medicine if your skin gets blisters or becomes very red and swollen. Tell your healthcare provider if you need to stop the medicine.
Do not share topical tretinoin/clindamycin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep topical tretinoin/clindamycin out of the reach of children.
Before applying topical tretinoin/clindamycin, gently wash the skin, rinse with warm water, and pat it dry.
Do not wash your face more than 2 to 3 times a day, because washing too often can make acne worse.
Stay out of direct sunlight and sunlamps while using topical tretinoin/clindamycin. If you are often in the sun or have sensitive skin, be extra careful. Apply sunscreen every morning and reapply it regularly. Also, avoid very windy or cold weather, as it may make your skin more irritated.
Avoid using other irritating topical products, such as medicated or abrasive (rough) soaps, soaps or cosmetics that cause dry skin, or products with high levels of alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime.
Topical tretinoin/clindamycin may cause a temporary change in skin color, either lighter or darker.
Tell your healthcare provider if you will be having any type of surgery or procedure, because topical tretinoin/clindamycin might affect how other medicines work during the procedure.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical tretinoin/clindamycin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical tretinoin/clindamycin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical tretinoin/clindamycin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical tretinoin/clindamycin, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical tretinoin/clindamycin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical tretinoin/clindamycin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical tretinoin/clindamycin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop topical tretinoin/clindamycin.
Interactions
Does topical tretinoin/clindamycin interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between topical tretinoin/clindamycin and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between topical tretinoin/clindamycin and alcohol.
Does topical tretinoin/clindamycin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical tretinoin/clindamycin.
- Erythromycin (Ery-Tab, Erygel, and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Any other skin or acne products
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical tretinoin/clindamycin. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical tretinoin/clindamycin?
If you or someone else has used too much topical tretinoin/clindamycin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of topical tretinoin/clindamycin?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
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