What is this medicine?
CLINDAMYCIN; TRETINOIN (KLIN da MYE sin; TRET i noe in) is a combination of a topical antibiotic and a form of vitamin A. It is used to treat acne.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- crusting or swelling of the treated areas
- diarrhea that is watery or severe
- pain on swallowing
- stomach pain or cramps
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- darkening or lightening of the skin where used
- dry, red, irritated, peeling skin where used
- runny or stuffy nose
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for use on the skin only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use at bedtime. Wash hands before and after use. Gently wash your face with a mild, non-medicated soap before use. Pat the skin dry. Apply a pea-size amount of the gel to your fingertip and gently spread it over your face. Do not use this medicine on your eyes, ears, nostrils, angles of the nose, or mouth. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Apply all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
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What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
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What may interact with this medicine?
- erythromycin
- muscle relaxers used during surgery
- other skin products that contain alcohol, astringents, spices or lime
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Do not use products that might dry or irritate your skin on the same areas that you are treating with this medicine. Do not wash your face more than 2 or 3 times a day. Avoid products with a high alcohol content, astringents, spices, the peel of lime or other citrus, medicated soaps or shampoos, permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes. Ask your doctor before using any other product on the same skin where this medicine is used.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- history of colitis
- inflammatory bowel disease
- sensitive to sunlight, sunburn easily
- work outside, long exposures to the sun
- an unusual or allergic reaction to clindamycin, tretinoin, vitamin A, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.
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