Randomized Tolerability Analysis of Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%- Tretinoin 0.025% Gel Used With Benzoyl Peroxide Wash 4% for Acne Vulgaris

The multiple etiologic factors involved in acne vulgaris make the use of several medications necessary to treat the condition Use of a fixed combination of clindamycin phosphate 1 2% and tretinoin 0 025% in conjunction with a benzoyl peroxide (BPO) wash 4% targets several pathologic factors simultaneously and mitigates the potential for clindamycin induced Propionibacterium acnes-resistant strains New formulations may allow such regimens to be effectively used without overly reduced tolerability resulting from the Irritation potential of tretinoin and BPO This randomized single blind study investigated the local tolerability irritation potential and safety of an aqueous based gel (clindamycin phosphate 1 2%-tretinoin 0 025% [CT gel]) when used in conjunction with a BPO wash 4% in participants with mild to moderate acne vulgaris Participants applied the CT gel once daily in the evening for 4 weeks in conjunction with once daily morning use of either BPO wash 4% or nonmedicated soap free cleanser lotion (SFC) Local tolerability and irritation potential were assessed by participants and investigators using separate 6 point scales The frequency and seventy of dryness scaling erythema burning/stinging and itching increased during the first week of treatment in both treatment arms but decreased thereafter Local tolerability reactions were slightly more frequent in the CT gel + BP() wash group versus the CT gel + SFC group at week 1 but were generally mild and improved within 1 to 2 weeks In conclusion therapy with CT gel + BPO wash appears safe and well-tolerated in participants with mild to moderate acne vulgaris Cutis 2010 86 310 318