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Topical treatment of acne using a compounded medication based on clindamycin
, 1
Affiliations- Chair and Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Abstract
Clindamycin, a lincosamide antibiotic, is widely used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It acts by inhibiting protein synthesis inbacteria, primarily targeting the peptidyl transferase centre in the bacterial ribosome. It exhibits bacteriostatic activity, inhibiting bacterialgrowth, and at higher doses, it can be bactericidal. In the treatment of acne vulgaris, clindamycin not only exerts direct antibacterialeffects but also possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It reduces the growth of Cutibacterium acnes and inhibitsthe production of proteins and lipases, which contribute to skin inflammation. Clindamycin also enhances bacterial opsonization andphagocytosis and reduces neutrophil chemotaxis. Combination therapy with benzoyl peroxide can help minimize antibiotic resistance.Topical clindamycin, often in combination with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, is recommended in treatment for mild to moderate papulopustularacne. In hidradenitis suppurativa clindamycin improves disease control and reduces cutaneous lesions, particularly superficialones like papules and pustules. Various topical preparations containing clindamycin are available commercially, including gels, lotions, andcombination products with tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, the registration of clindamycin as a pharmaceutical raw materialallows for compounding personalized formulations, providing a cost-effective alternative. Compounded medications can be tailored toindividual patient needs and increase treatment effectiveness.
Abstract
Clindamycin, a lincosamide antibiotic, is widely used in the treatment of bacterial infections. It acts by inhibiting protein synthesis inbacteria, primarily targeting the peptidyl transferase centre in the bacterial ribosome. It exhibits bacteriostatic activity, inhibiting bacterialgrowth, and at higher doses, it can be bactericidal. In the treatment of acne vulgaris, clindamycin not only exerts direct antibacterialeffects but also possesses anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It reduces the growth of Cutibacterium acnes and inhibitsthe production of proteins and lipases, which contribute to skin inflammation. Clindamycin also enhances bacterial opsonization andphagocytosis and reduces neutrophil chemotaxis. Combination therapy with benzoyl peroxide can help minimize antibiotic resistance.Topical clindamycin, often in combination with benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, is recommended in treatment for mild to moderate papulopustularacne. In hidradenitis suppurativa clindamycin improves disease control and reduces cutaneous lesions, particularly superficialones like papules and pustules. Various topical preparations containing clindamycin are available commercially, including gels, lotions, andcombination products with tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide. Additionally, the registration of clindamycin as a pharmaceutical raw materialallows for compounding personalized formulations, providing a cost-effective alternative. Compounded medications can be tailored toindividual patient needs and increase treatment effectiveness.
Keywords
clindamycin, acne vulgaris, acne inversa, hidradenitis suppurativa, treatment
About this articleTitle
Topical treatment of acne using a compounded medication based on clindamycin
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
143-146
Published online
2023-10-30
Page views
424
Article views/downloads
361
DOI
Bibliographic record
Forum Dermatologicum 2023;9(4):143-146.
Keywords
clindamycin
acne vulgaris
acne inversa
hidradenitis suppurativa
treatment
Authors
Mikołaj Eryk Łanocha
Beata Bergler-Czop
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