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Clindamycin Gel (1% clindamycin) is used to treat acne vulgaris. The active ingredient in this product, clindamycin, is used to treat a range of infections from anaerobic and aerobic bacteria when taken orally, but in gel form it can only be used topically.

The gel should be used only on intact skin that is not infected or otherwise irritated by anything other than acne. Clindamycin Gel should also not be applied to mucous membranes; for vaginal applications the cream should be used rather than the gel.

Clindamycin Gel can be used to combat acne in patients age 12 and up.

Clear Skin with Clindamycin

Clindamycin Gel is effective against mild to moderate acne. Use is straightforward:

• Clean and dry the face.
• Using a wad of cotton or other soft material, apply a thin layer of the gel to the face.
• Repeat twice per day.

Treatment typically lasts several months to years, and while some patients experience clearer skin within days of starting use, most patients will find acne worsens for a month before it begins to clear. This is normal, and while it can be distressing, the majority of patients find the payoff is worth it.

Patients using Clindamycin Gel are generally advised to not use other supplemental products on the skin, certainly not at the same time as applying the gel. In practice, however, many patients do use relatively mild products, such as tea tree oil or coconut oil to further cleanse and soothe the skin. Whether or not these extra products provide benefit is entirely individual.

Medicated products, abrasive soaps, and other products designed to exfoliate can interact with Clindamycin Gel, worsening side effects or causing irritation at the application site. These are best avoided, particularly in the first month of treatment.

There are no dietary modifications required for Clindamycin Gel use.

Potential Side Effects

As the gel is used topically it produces few side effects compared to oral use. However, in rare cases it can cause serious issues in the bowels, leading to colitis---which can be deadly. Warning signs include:

• Severe stomach cramps
• Severe, persistant diarrhea
• Bloody stools

If the above are experienced, discontinue use of Clindamycin Gel and speak with a doctor. The condition can be treated if caught relatively early. Patients with a history of colitis, irritable bowels, or similar ailments may not want to use Clindamycin Gel.

Other side effects associated with Clindamycin Gel are generally not cause for concern unless severe or persistant. The skin may burn or itch slightly when the gel is first applied, but this should be mild and pass quickly.

The medication has not been studied in the first trimester of pregnancy. It does not appear to cause harm in the second or third trimester. It does pass into breast milk, but effects are unclear. Mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consider whether benefits are worth the risk.

Additional Options

The active ingredient in Clindamycin Gel, clindamycin, is found in combination with other medications to further combat acne. The medication is generally more effective in these cases, suitable for moderate to severe acne rather than mild to moderate. Plus there are other products that don't contain clindamycin, suitable for individuals who can't take it. Other medications that might prove helpful include:

• Treclin Gel, containing tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, mixed with clindamycin.
• Epiduo Gel, which also contains a vitamin A derivative as well as benzoyl peroxide.
• Aknemycin Plus Solution, a topical treatment containing erythromycin, an antibiotic, and tretinoin.
• Accutane, a tablet which contains isotretinoin, for severe acne.
• Retin-A, again for severe acne, contains pure vitamin A derivative.

The above are just a few of the many options users have to treat acne. Patients are welcome to browse our acne section for other products, as well as contact us for help making a selection.