Clindamycin Gel for Acne
Cleocin T is a topical treatment containing the antibiotic clindamycin phosphate 2. Cleocin T is not an over-the-counter medication, meaning you'll need a prescription to buy it 2. Doctors usually prescribe topical clindamycin to treat severe cases of acne. The medication can be effective, but you should be aware of possible side effects.
Function
Clindamycin gel works by killing bacteria that cause acne, and by decreasing the amount of free fatty acids that irritate the skin. Oral clindamycin can have more powerful results, but it is also more likely to cause negative side effects. Physicians usually prefer to try topical therapy first.
Usage
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To use Cleocin T, clean and dry the affected areas of your skin, then apply a thin film of medicine twice a day, or as directed by your doctor 2. You can expect best results if you apply the gel at the same time each day and don't miss any doses.
Considerations
You may not see improvement for several weeks, and it's important to continue using the medicine and not become discouraged. Additionally, once your acne improves, you should continue to use Cleocin T until your doctor recommends stopping 2. If you stop applying clindamycin gel too soon, the medicine may not clear up your acne completely. The bacteria causing your acne could also become resistant to this or other medication, making it more difficult to treat in the future.
- You may not see improvement for several weeks, and it's important to continue using the medicine and not become discouraged.
- Additionally, once your acne improves, you should continue to use Cleocin T until your doctor recommends stopping 2.
Side Effects
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Cleocin T can cause skin dryness, redness, itching and stinging 2. Using more than prescribed will not clear up your acne sooner or more effectively. You should avoid using excessive amounts because most other possible side effects are caused by the body absorbing some of the drug. Be careful not to get clindamycin gel in skin abrasions or cuts. Side effects caused by absorption can include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, upset stomach and nausea.
- Cleocin T can cause skin dryness, redness, itching and stinging 2.
- Be careful not to get clindamycin gel in skin abrasions or cuts.
Warning
Although rare, clindamycin gel can cause pseudomembranous colitis, a serious intestinal condition that requires medical attention. The condition may occur while taking the medication or even months later. Symptoms include chronic or severe diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool and abdominal pain and cramping.
Related Articles
References
- Physicians' Desktop Reference: Cleocin T
- Drugs.com: Cleocin T
- National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus Drug Information, "Clindamycin Topical"
- Zaenglein AL, Pathy AL, Schlosser BJ, Alikhan A, Baldwin HE, Berson DS, et. al. Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2016 May;74(5):945-73.e33. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2015.12.037
- Gold LS.Efficacy and tolerability to fixed-combination acne treatment in adolescents. Cutis. 2013 Mar;91(3):152-9 PMID:23617089
- Stein Gold L "Topical Treatments in Acne Vulgaris: Guidance for the Busy Dermatologist." Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. 2015 Jun;14(6):567-72.
Writer Bio
Shelley Moore is a journalist and award-winning short-story writer. She specializes in writing about personal development, health, careers and personal finance. Moore has been published in "Family Circle" magazine and the "Milwaukee Sentinel" newspaper, along with numerous other national and regional magazines, daily and weekly newspapers and corporate publications. She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology.