Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Clindamycin: A Review of Its Use in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Topical clindamycin is a safe and effective treatment in mild to moderately-severe inflammatory acne vulgaris. Although clindamycin monotherapy often results in significant clinical improvement, clindamycin combination therapy with either benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid offers most patients a higher level of efficacy in the treatment of acne. This paper reviews the clinical efficacy and safety of clindamycin monotherapy and combination therapies, as well as an investigation into bacterial resistance against clindamycin.