Topically administered clindamycin in the treatment of acne vulgaris and other dermatologic disorders.

Clindamycin is a macrolide antibiotic that has been used orally and topically in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Unfortunately, oral administration is associated with pseudomembranous colitis in up to 10% of patients; consequently, it is no longer a generally accepted form of acne therapy. Topical application is an effective, safer alternative. Topical formulations may be extemporaneously prepared or purchased as a pre-mixed hydroalcoholic solution. Adverse effects associated with topical preparations are few and mostly minor. Topical clindamycin is also used in the treatment of erythrasma, rosacea, periorificial facial dermatitis, and folliculitis.