clindamycin / tretinoin
Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) is a combination medication used to treat acne in people over 12 years old. While side effects are mild for most people, it can take up to 12 weeks to see improvement.
What is Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)?
What is Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) used for?
- Acne
How Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) works
Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) is a combination of two medications that treat acne.
- Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
- Tretinoin is a retinoic acid derivative, which is related to vitamin A. It promotes healthy skin growth and lowers the amount of oil on your skin.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Ziana, Veltin |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Lincosamide antibiotic / Retinoic acid derivative |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Skin redness (26-35%)
- Scaly skin (13-17%)
- Itchy skin (4-10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Flu-like symptoms
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Dry skin
Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reactions
- Severe diarrhea
The following Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
- Sudden or severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
- Sensitivity to light
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Pros and cons of Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)
Pros
- Works well with mild side effects
- Only needs to be applied once a day
- Might work when other acne treatments have failed
- Easier to use a combination gel instead of two separate medications to treat acne
Cons
- Can take several weeks to work
- Your acne might look worse when you first start it.
- Not safe to use if you have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or inflammation of your intestines
- Can be expensive even though a generic is available
Pharmacist tips for Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)
- Wash your hands well after using Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) to prevent it from getting in your eyes. If Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) gets in your eyes, rinse them well with water.
- Wash and dry your face well before applying Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin). Some stinging or burning after using Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) is possible, but if you notice a rash appear, please contact your healthcare provider.
- Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, which means you might get a sunburn more easily. This is true even during the winter and on overcast days. Make sure to avoid sun exposure, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 while you are using Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin).
- Avoid using harsh or drying soaps, cleansers, or topical products that contain alcohol while using Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin). These other topical products can cause irritation to your sensitive skin.
- Don't put Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) on sunburned, cut, scraped, or damaged skin. Doing so raises your risk of side effects. If your face becomes sunburned or damaged in any way, stop using Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) until your skin has healed.
- Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) can take up to 12 weeks to fully work. It is typical for your skin to look worse before it gets better. Be patient, and try to stick with it for the full 12 weeks. If you're not seeing improvement after then, let your provider know.
Risks and warnings for Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)
Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
SEVERE DIARRHEA
- Risk factors: History of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea | Crohn's disease | Ulcerative colitis | Local inflammation of your intestines
Like all antibiotics, the clindamycin in Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) can cause diarrhea, because it gets rid of the good bacteria in your gut, although it is much less likely to happen with topical medications than oral pills. In rare cases, this diarrhea is caused by a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (commonly called C. diff) that is usually kept under control by your gut bacteria. C. diff diarrhea is very contagious and can lead to life-threatening dehydration. If you have C. diff, be sure to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds frequently, and try to use a different bathroom from anyone living with you until you are better. Taking probiotic supplements while using Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) might help prevent this problem. Having bowel problems, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, raises your risk of C. diff diarrhea while using antibiotics. Tell your provider if you have inflammatory bowel problems or have ever had severe diarrhea after using antibiotics before.
SUNBURNS
While using Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin), your skin becomes more sensitive to the sun and might burn more easily. Try to stay out of the sun, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and wear wide-brimmed hats when outside while you are using Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin), even during the winter or when it's overcast.
Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin) dosage
Tube of gel| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30g of 1.2%/0.025% | 1 tube | $102.68 | $102.68 |
| 60g of 1.2%/0.025% | 1 tube | $177.56 | $177.56 |
Typical dosage for Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin)
Use a pea-sized amount of Ziana (clindamycin / tretinoin), and gently rub it over the entire face once a day at bedtime. Do not apply it to the eyes, lips, or inside of the nose.
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