Topical clindamycin phosphate compared with oral tetracycline in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Abstract

Sixty patients (aged 12-30 years) were enrolled in a 12-week, double-blind, randomized study to compare the efficacy of clindamycin phosphate 1% topical solution with oral tetracycline for the treatment of moderate acne. Forty-four patients (22 in each group) were evaluable. All patients experienced significant reductions in numbers of pustules, papules and inflamed nodules, and there were no significant differences between the two groups. Both treatment regimens were well tolerated, and no systemic side-effects were reported. Topical clindamycin phosphate 1% is considered a safe and effective alternative to oral tetracycline for the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris.