Comparative efficacy and safety results of two topical combination acne regimens

Combination therapy has become the standard for the management of acne, particularly for moderate-to-severe cases. Among these combinations, those regimens containing benzoyl peroxide (BPO), clindamycin and a retinoid have been used frequently as they address most aspects of acne pathogenesis. This study compares the efficacy and safety of two common topical treatment regimens in the treatment of a moderate to severe facial acne vulgaris: fixed-combination gel containing BPO 5% and clindamycin 1% (BPO/C) plus tretinoin microsphere gel 0.04% (RAM) versus a regimen of a fixed-combination gel containing clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and tretinoin 0.025% (CPT) plus a once-daily BPO 5% wash. While both regimens were safe and effective, regimen BPO/C+RAM yielded a more rapid onset of effect versus regimen CPT+BPO against both non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions. Both treatment regimens were well-tolerated.