Topical clindamycin is thought to reduce free fatty acid concentrations on the skin and to suppress the growth of Propionibacterium acnes ( Corynebacterium acnes ) by reversibly binding to 50 S ribosomal subunits and preventing peptide bond formation thus inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis . P. acnes ( an anaerobe found in sebaceous glands and follicles ) produces proteases , hyaluronidases , lipases , and chemotactic factors , all of which can produce inflammatory components or inflammation directly .

Acne vulgaris ( treatment ) – Topical clindamycin is effective in grade II and III acne , which are characterized by inflammatory lesions such as papules and pustules . Minor bacterial skin infection ( treatment ) – Topical clindamycin is used in the topical treatment of erythrasma , rosacea , periorificial dermatitis , folliculitis , stasis , chronic lymphedema , and familial pemphigus .
Dermal ulcer ( treatment ) – Topical clindamycin is used in the treatment of dermal ulcers . Topical clindamycin is not effective in the treatment of deep cystic lesions or noninflammatory lesions .

a – Those indicating need for medical attention: Contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity ( skin rash , itching , swelling ) ; Pseudomembranous colitis .
b – Those indicating need for medical attention only if they continue or are bothersome: Dryness , scaliness , or peeling of skin ; Mild diarrhea or abdominal pain ; Irritation , sensitization or oiliness of skin ; Stinging or burning feeling of skin .
c – Those indicating possible pseudomembranous colitis and the need for medical attention if they occur after medication is discontinued: Severe abdominal or stomach cramps , pain , and bloating ; Watery and severe diarrhea , which may also be bloody ; Fever ; Increased thirst ; Nausea or vomiting ; Unusual tiredness or weakness ; Unusual weight loss .

Hypersensitivity to clindamycin , lincomycin , or any component of the formulation ; History of atopic reactions ; History of regional enteritis , ulcerative colitis , or antibiotic – associated colitis ; Concurrent use of erythromycin and clindamycin .

Stop the drug if significant diarrhea occurs . Use concomitant topical acne therapy with caution . Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes . Safety and efficacy in children < 12 years of age have not been established .

Concurrent use with erythromycin may lead to antagonism of antimicrobial effects of clindamycin . Concurrent use of these medications with topical clindamycin may cause a cumulative irritant or drying effect , resulting in excessive irritation of the skin : Abrasive or medicated soaps or cleansers ; Acne preparation or preparations containing a peeling agent , such as resorcinol , salicylic acid , sulfur ; Topical alcohol – containing preparations such as after - shave lotions , astringents , perfumed toiletries , shaving creams or lotions ; Cosmetics or soaps with a strong drying effect ; Isotretinoin ; Medicated cosmetics or cover – ups .

• Usual adult and adolescent dose: Antiacne agent – Topical , to the skin , a thin film applied two times a day to the affected areas .
• Usual pediatric dose: Children up to 12 years of age – Safety and efficacy have not been established .

• Topical gel 1% , 15 g tubes.

• USP DI, 2005
• Up To Date, Vol. 13.3 (2005)
• Martindale, The Complete Drug Reference, 34 rd edition 2005