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.
