Acne vulgaris: double-blind trial comparing tetracycline and clindamycin

Abstract

A double-blind prospective study was undertaken to compare low-dosage tetracycline hydrochloride and clindamycin hydrate hydrochloride in the treatment of patients with pustular acne. Clinical improvement was noted in 93.7% of those receiving tetracycline and in 92.8% of those receiving clindamycin. Of those patients who were receiving clindamycin, 2 patients developed diarrhea and 1 patient developed pseudomembranous colitis. Clindamycin should not be used as a primary drug in the treatment of acne.