Clindamycin/tretinoin topical Disease Interactions

Topical retinoids may cause severe irritation on eczematous skin. Therapy with topical retinoids should be avoided on abraded or eczematous skin.

Clindamycin may be systemically absorbed when applied to the skin or mucosal membranes. Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with systemically as well as topically administered clindamycin and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening, with an onset of up to several weeks following cessation of therapy. The colitis is usually characterized by severe, persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps, and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Therapy with topical clindamycin should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly colitis. There is some evidence that pseudomembranous colitis, if it occurs, may run a more severe course in these patients and that it may be associated with flares in their underlying disease activity. Certain products may be contraindicated by the manufacturer, and prescribers are advised to consult the package labeling. Clindamycin should be discontinued if significant diarrhea occurs during therapy. Stool cultures for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. A large bowel endoscopy may be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea.

Retinoid-like products can cause extreme irritation when applied to sunburned skin. Patients with sunburn should be cautioned not to use retinoid-like acne products until fully recovered, and to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) and use sunscreen/protective clothing during treatment with these products.