Can you use adapalene with clindamycin?

What is adapalene with clindamycin gel used for?

The combination is used for acne. Adapalene is a topical retinoid, a medicine applied to the skin, while clindamycin is an antibiotic. Topical retinoids are particularly useful for comedonal acne, meaning blackheads and whiteheads. Mild to moderate inflammatory acne, with raised spots and pus filled spots, can also respond to topical treatment. Combining an antibiotic with another acne medicine helps reduce antibiotic resistance, where bacteria become less responsive to treatment.1345

Which gel do you actually have?

Separate adapalene and clindamycin products, a combined gel, and a gel containing benzoyl peroxide as well need different instructions, which gives the word "gel" rather more administrative work than expected. Use the full medicine name to identify your gel.12

For predominantly blackheads and whiteheads, adapalene or adapalene with benzoyl peroxide are established topical options. If clindamycin is included, use it as part of the prescribed combination rather than treating it as an extra product to add yourself. These names are not interchangeable, so copying another gel's routine is a poor substitute for reading your own label, even if Cabtreo, Treclin and Duac sound ready to form a law firm.34

How do you use clindamycin and adapalene gel?

For separate products or a combined gel other than Cabtreo, have the pharmacist confirm the application order and time of day for your exact prescription. General adapalene guidance is to apply it thinly once daily and reduce frequency if irritation develops. Benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin has its own directions, including once daily evening application; do not automatically transfer that schedule to every combination.34

For Cabtreo, follow this sequence once daily:

1. 1Cleanse the affected area gently.
2. 2Let the skin dry.
3. 3Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Avoid the eyes, mouth, nose creases and broken, eczematous or sunburned skin.
4. 4Wash your hands thoroughly.

With Cabtreo, avoid abrasive scrubs, peeling products, strong alcohol based products and waxing on treated skin. Use sunscreen and protective clothing, and minimise sunlight and tanning exposure. Ask your prescriber before adding another topical acne medicine.1

How long should you try it?

Allow 6 to 8 weeks before assessing whether topical acne treatment is helping. That is a review window, not a deadline for completely clear skin. Arrange an antibiotic review at about 12 weeks rather than repeatedly renewing clindamycin without checking whether it is still needed. Some prescribing guidance calls for stopping topical antibiotics after 12 weeks and considering benzoyl peroxide instead.24

Adapalene can be used to help prevent acne returning, so the longer term plan can differ from the initial antibiotic course. Discuss which non antibiotic treatment to continue when clindamycin ends. If acne has not responded to topical treatment, the next step is a prescribing review rather than adding more antibiotics yourself.34

What side effects should you watch for?

Cabtreo can cause dryness, redness, peeling, burning and stinging, especially during the first four weeks. Depending on severity, your prescriber can advise moisturizer, less frequent application or stopping treatment. Do not apply it to damaged skin.1

Stop Cabtreo and seek medical advice if diarrhea occurs, particularly bloody diarrhea. Clindamycin can cause serious bowel inflammation even after treatment ends. Stop and seek urgent help for a serious allergic reaction. Cabtreo must not be used with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic associated colitis.1

What if you take other medicines or are pregnant?

Do not combine an oral acne antibiotic with topical clindamycin. If an oral antibiotic is being considered, have the prescriber revise the topical plan too. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a separate review of the acne medicines you use; do not assume that a combination is suitable because it is applied to the skin. Deep, severe acne with nodules or cysts needs medical assessment and can require dermatology referral.235