Clindamycin and Tretinoin

Generic name: Clindamycin and Tretinoin [ klin-da-MYE-sin-& TRET-i-noyn ]
Brand names: Veltin, Ziana
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 12, 2024.

Uses of Clindamycin and Tretinoin:

• It is used to treat pimples (acne).

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Clindamycin and Tretinoin?

• If you have an allergy to clindamycin, tretinoin, or any other part of clindamycin and tretinoin.
• If you are allergic to clindamycin and tretinoin; any part of clindamycin and tretinoin; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are using any products that have erythromycin.
• If you have ever had any of these health problems: Severe diarrhea called antibiotic-associated colitis, regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with clindamycin and tretinoin.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take clindamycin and tretinoin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Clindamycin and Tretinoin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take clindamycin and tretinoin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not put on sunburned skin.
• Do not put on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.
• Skin may look worse before it looks better.
• It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
• Use other pimple (acne) drugs with care. More skin irritation may happen.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• Practice good skin care and avoid the sun.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• Some weather conditions may irritate the skin. Talk with the doctor.
• It is common to have skin irritation with clindamycin and tretinoin. These reactions may include burning, dry skin, itching, peeling, redness, and scaling. Call your doctor if you have skin irritation that is severe, bothers you, or does not go away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Clindamycin and Tretinoin) best taken?

Use clindamycin and tretinoin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take clindamycin and tretinoin by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Put on at bedtime.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, clindamycin topical, erythromycin topical, tetracycline, Tazorac

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and a certain bowel problem (colitis) have happened with clindamycin and tretinoin. Very bad colitis may lead to death. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or cramps, very bad or watery diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea. Do not try to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.

What are some other side effects of Clindamycin and Tretinoin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Clindamycin and Tretinoin?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Protect from heat and light.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about clindamycin and tretinoin, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer