Study results of benzoyl peroxide 5%/clindamycin 1% topical gel, adapalene 0.1% gel, and use in combination for acne vulgaris.

Combination therapy is the standard of care in the management of acne vulgaris. It is essential to treat as many aspects of acne pathogenesis as possible. Due to increasing insensitivity of Propionibacterium acnes to antibiotics, the concomitant use of other topical agents that exhibit other modes of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity is integral to the successful treatment of acne. The combination of topical benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin gel has been shown to be more effective than either agent alone. The addition of a topical retinoid may further enhance therapeutic results. This 12-week study evaluated the safety and efficacy of initial topical benzoyl peroxide 5%/clindamycin 1% gel as monotherapy and in combination with adapalene gel versus adapalene gel monotherapy in the management of acne.