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Overview: Topical clindamycin is used to treat acne. Common side effects include skin redness, itching, or burning. Tell your health care provider right away if you get watery or bloody diarrhea even up to two months after stopping this medicine. Topical clindamycin comes as a foam, gel, lotion, or liquid that is applied to the skin.

Uses

What is topical clindamycin used for?

Topical clindamycin is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin. It often appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.

Topical clindamycin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical clindamycin work (mechanism of action)?

Topical clindamycin is thought to work by stopping the growth of bacteria (germs) that cause acne. 

How is topical clindamycin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cleocin
  • Cleocin T
  • Clindagel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1% topical foam, gel, lotion, and solution

See also: Clindamycin and Clindamycin vaginal

How should I store topical clindamycin?

Topical Gel, Lotion, or Solution. Topical clindamycin lotion, gel, or liquid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place, and do not freeze it. 

Topical Foam. Topical clindamycin foam should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when you’re transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place. The contents of the foam are under pressure. Do not puncture (break through) or burn the can, even if the can is empty. Keep the can away from heat, and do not store at temperatures above 120 F (49 C), as this could lead to an explosion.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical clindamycin?

The most common side effects of topical clindamycin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin redness, itching, burning, or peeling
  • Dry skin
  • Oily skin
  • Headache (topical foam)

There may be other side effects of topical clindamycin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical clindamycin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical clindamycin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical clindamycin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical clindamycin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including topical clindamycin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to two months after stopping the medicine. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Skin Irritation. Topical clindamycin may irritate your skin. The risk of skin irritation may be higher if you are using other topical acne products. Tell your health care provider about any other skin products you use. If your skin becomes irritated or inflamed (swollen) during use, stop using topical clindamycin and call your health care provider. 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical clindamycin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical clindamycin.

  • Clindamycin
  • Cleocin
  • Cleocin T
  • Clindagel
  • Lincomycin 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical clindamycin products they stock.

Certain Bowel Problems. Do not use topical clindamycin if you have a history of any of the following conditions that affect the bowel. 

What should I know about topical clindamycin before using it?

Do not use topical clindamycin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical clindamycin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical clindamycin out of the reach of children.

Tell your health care provider if you are planning to have any type of surgery or medical procedure, because topical clindamycin might affect how other medicines work during the procedure.

Topical clindamycin is only applied to your skin. Do not use the medicine in or on the eyes, mouth, lips, or vagina. Do not put it on broken skin. Before using topical clindamycin, gently wash the skin, rinse it with warm water, and pat it dry.

Topical clindamycin foam is flammable. While applying (and right after applying) topical clindamycin foam, avoid fire, flames, and smoking. 

If you are using the topical foam, squeeze it into the cap first, not onto your hands or face, as the foam will melt when it touches warm skin.

Clindamycin topical liquid contains alcohol, which can cause burning and irritation if it gets in your eyes. If it accidentally touches your eyes, broken skin, or other sensitive areas, rinse the area well with cool water.

Keep all follow-up appointments with your health care provider, so they can monitor your progress. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical clindamycin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if topical clindamycin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Bowel problems, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Any type of skin problems, such as eczema

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical clindamycin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical clindamycin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical clindamycin could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical clindamycin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use topical clindamycin while breastfeeding. If you use topical clindamycin while breastfeeding, and you apply it to your chest area, do not apply it to areas where it could get it into your baby’s mouth. 

Interactions

Does topical clindamycin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical clindamycin and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between topical clindamycin and alcohol.

Does topical clindamycin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

In particular, make sure to tell your health care provider if you are using any of the following before using topical clindamycin.

  • Erythromycin (Ery-Tab, Erygel, and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Any other skin or acne product

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical clindamycin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical clindamycin?

If you or someone else has used too much topical clindamycin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical clindamycin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.