TREATMENT OF ACNE WITH A COMBINATION CLINDAMYCIN BENZOYL PEROXIDE GELCOMPARED WITH CLINDAMYCIN GEL, BENZOYL PEROXIDE GEL AND VEHICLE GEL -COMBINED RESULTS OF 2 DOUBLE-BLIND INVESTIGATIONS

Background: It has previously been shown that a combination of erythro mycin and benzoyl peroxide is superior to either ingredient when used alone in the treatment of acne. A clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide combina tion gel might have an advantage over erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide ge l because the former does not require refrigeration after it is dispen sed. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and safety o f a combination clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel when compared with be nzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or vehicle gels. Methods: In two double-b lind, randomized, parallel, vehicle-controlled trials, patients were t reated for 11 weeks with once-nightly application of one of the above preparations. Evaluations were performed at 2, 5, 8, and 11 weeks and included lesion counts and assessment of global responses and irritant effects. Results: A total of 334 patients completed thr study. AU thr ee active preparations were significantly superior to the vehicle in g lobal improvement and in reducing inflammatory lesions and noninflamma tory lesions. The combination gel was significantly superior to the tw o individual agents in global improvement and reduction of inflammator y lesions and also to the clindamycin gel in reducing noninflammatory lesions. Then was no significant difference in tolerance to the active gels versus the vehicle gel. Conclusion: In the treatment of acne, to pical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide combination gel is well tolerated a nd superior to either individual ingredient.