Key takeaways
Ziana (clindamycin/tretinoin) and isotretinoin are both used to treat acne, but they have some key differences. Ziana is a topical medication that combines clindamycin, an antibiotic, and tretinoin, a retinoic acid, to treat acne in people over 12 years old. It’s applied once daily and can take up to 12 weeks to show improvement. Isotretinoin, on the other hand, is an oral medication used for severe nodular acne that hasn't responded to other treatments. It’s taken twice daily for 4 to 5 months and requires enrollment in a special medication safety program called iPLEDGE due to the risk of serious birth defects. While both medications can cause skin sensitivity to the sun, isotretinoin has more severe potential side effects, including depression, liver damage, and bone fractures. Additionally, isotretinoin isn’t safe for use during pregnancy, whereas Ziana may be used with caution. Both medications have generic versions available.
