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Compare Cabtreo vs. Cleocin T

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Cabtreo (clindamycin/adapalene/benzoyl peroxide) and Cleocin-T (clindamycin) are both topical medications used to treat acne. They share the active ingredient clindamycin, which is a lincosamide antibiotic that helps stop acne-causing bacteria from growing. However, Cabtreo is a combination medication that also includes adapalene, a retinoid, and benzoyl peroxide, an antiseptic, making it suitable for treating a wider range of acne types, including both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Cabtreo is applied once daily as a gel, while Cleocin-T can be applied one to two times a day and is available in various forms like gel, lotion, and foam. Cabtreo does not have a generic version, whereas Cleocin-T is available in generic form, which might be more cost-effective. Both medications can cause skin irritation and increase sun sensitivity, but Cabtreo may also cause more specific side effects like pain at the application site and potential bleaching of hair and clothing. Cleocin-T is often used with other acne treatments for better results, while Cabtreo combines three active ingredients in one product for convenience.

  • Cabtreo
    Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)
  • Cabtreo
    Clindamycin (Cleocin-T)

  • Summary of Cabtreo vs. Cleocin T

    Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic / Retinoid / Antiseptic
    Prescription only

    Cabtreo is a combination medication that’s made up of three active ingredients: clindamycin (an antibiotic), adapalene (a retinoid), and benzoyl peroxide (an antiseptic). These ingredients work together to treat acne in people 12 years of age and older. Cabtreo is a topical gel that’s applied as a thin layer onto the face once daily. Common side effects of the medication include pain, redness, and dryness at the site of application.

    Summary for Lincosamide antibiotic
    Prescription only

    Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) is a topical antibiotic that is used to treat mild to moderate acne. When combined with other acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids like Retin-A, it can work quite well to treat acne. It's also available in many different formulations like lotion, gel, and solution.

  • Indications of Cabtreo vs. Cleocin T

    Indications for
    •Acne
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Cabtreo vs. Cleocin T

    Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic / Retinoid / Antiseptic
    Pros
    •Three medications that treat acne in one product, so it’s convenient
    •Applied to the skin
    •Approved for children ages 12 years and older
    Cons
    •Uncomfortable side effects like pain at the application site and skin peeling
    •Skin can become sensitive to the sun, which can increase the likelihood of sunburns
    •May bleach your hair, clothing, and bedding
    Pros and Const for Lincosamide antibiotic
    Pros
    •Available in generic form
    •Comes in different formulations (gel, solution, lotion, foam, swabs) to fit your lifestyle and perference
    •Works well for the kind of acne that causes large, red, and swollen pimples
    •Usually the first choice acne treatment for mild to moderate acne
    •There are prescription medications available that contain clindamycin combined with other popular acne medications like benzoyl peroxide or retinoid.
    Cons
    •You will most likely have to use another acne medication along with clindamycin (Cleocin-T) since it doesn't work as well by itself.
    •It's only preferred for mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne, your healthcare provider will most likely prescribe an oral medication.
    •If you only have comedonal acne (small skin-colored bumps on the skin) without any red, swollen pimples, your healthcare provider may give you a different medication.
    •Topical clindamycin (Cleocin-T) won't cure your acne, but it will help keep your acne under control.
    •You may need to use this medication for many weeks until you see your acne get better.

  • Common Side Effects of Cabtreo vs. Cleocin T

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain at the application site (14%)
    •Skin redness (5%)
    •Dry skin (4%)
    •Skin irritation (2%)
    •Skin peeling or flaky skin (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Dryness
    •Redness
    •Peeling
    •Burning
    •Oily skin
    •Skin that's sensitive to the sun

  • Warnings of Cabtreo vs. Cleocin T

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious gut problems
    •Skin that's sensitive to sunlight
    •Skin irritation
    Common Side Effects for
    •SKIN IRRITATION
    •SEVERE DIARRHEA AND STOMACH CRAMPS
    •SUN SENSITIVITY

  • Prices with our coupons for Cabtreo vs. Cleocin T

    Learn more about Cabtreo
    Learn more about Clindamycin

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