A new treatment for acne vulgaris combining benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin

Topical acne therapies are widely used for the treatment of mild to moderately severe acne vulgaris. However, many available treatments have limitations associated with their use, including lengthy time to response, cosmetic acceptability, and photosensitivity. Combinations of topical antibiotics and comedolytics are especially useful, but some formulations have stability challenges. A new combination formulation that contains 1% clindamycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide (BenzaClin Topical Gel) is currently available. In clinical trials, clinical improvement occurred at the first two follow-up visits and continued throughout treatment. In addition, combination therapy with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel rapidly reduces Propionibacteria acnes counts and suppresses the emergence of clindamycin-resistant P. acnes. This formulation is stable at room temperature for up to 2 months after compounding. The aqueous gel vehicle is less drying, and there is no photosensitivity associated with its use. This study compares the combination treatment of 1% clindamycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide topical gel with other therapeutic options for mild to moderately severe acne vulgaris.