Clindamycin Phosphate Gel – Uses, Side Effects, And More

Clindamycin Phosphate Gel - Uses, Side Effects, And More

Currently, according to the global dermatologist report, 9.4% of the global population is suffering from acne. Like different types of acne, the treatments of acne are also various types. And clindamycin phosphate gel is one of the most popular antibacterial gels and is widely used in acne treatment.

Clindamycin phosphate topical gel is an antibacterial gel that helps to decrease the number of teh acne. And stopping the growth of the bacteria in the affected areas. These antibacterial gel ointments are also used to decrease the number of acne lesions.

Let’s see first ‘what is clindamycin topical gel’.

What Is Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel?

What Is Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel?

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution is a form of antibiotic. This antibiotic is used to kill acne-causing bacteria. Doctors are prescribing these gels to treat the Propionibacterium acnes in the patients. Applications of these topical solutions also reduce the acne swelling and redness of the affected areas.

Not only the skin acne treatments, but this tropical solution also has some other uses. For example, in treating vaginal infections and bacterial vaginosis, this antibiotic gel is also using in. Clindamycin phosphate topical solutions are available in different generic forms. Different types of forms have different uses.

Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Solutions belong to a class of specific drugs called Lincosamides antibiotics.

Components Of The Clindamycin Phosphate Topical Gel

The clindamycin phosphate topical solution does not have a single compliment in there. There are many more ingredients. 

So what are those? Here is the whole composition of the Clindamycin topical gel.

Isopropyl Alcohol:

Isopropyl Alcohol

Clindamycin phosphate is a water-diluted ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic. Isopropyl alcohol has cleaning and disinfecting properties. And the small application of these solutions is keeping the area entirely germ-free. 

Isopropyl alcohol works as a chemical disinfector. But for every use, the percentages of the alcohol matter. In this tropical gel, a minimum amount of alcohol is used, which is going to break down the bacteria, virus, and fungi protein.

Propylene Glycol:

Propylene Glycol

Another acne-treating agent is propylene glycol. Many cosmetic companies are using this ingredient as their main active ingredient. Propylene glycol is an entirely safe ingredient that is used to treat acne. 

This formula is not oily. And it also helped to heal the acne-prone skin and faded away the acne marks. The minimal amount of use of this formula keeps your skin clear. 

But a high percentage of propylene glycol causes severe damage to the skin. A small amount of these products are also present in the Clindamycin phosphate gel.

Sodium Hydroxide:

Sodium Hydroxide

The regular common name of Sodium Hydroxide is Caustic Soda. Many regular cosmetic products have sodium hydroxide in them. For example, makeup, hair dye, and nail polish.

Even some of the commercial cleaning products also have sodium hydroxide in them. It all depends on the percentages. 

Yes, this is pretty obvious: the skin care product’s sodium hydroxide amounts are not the same as the detergents. Sodium hydroxide is increasing the power of the Clindamycin phosphate gel. 

Purified Water:

Purified Water

Clindamycin phosphate gel is an entirely water-soluble compound. The purified water is used to get the perfect concentrations of gel. The purified water’s use for the mixing is to make the concentration light and oil-free.

This lightweight formula is also keeping the concentration in a gel form. And free of oil. So along with the antibacterial property, the users will get an oil-free nature of the gel. 

Hence this oil-free nature of the gel restricts the spreading of acne-causing germs and minimizes the clogged pore issues.

These four are the common ingredients of the Clindamycin gel. The clindamycin phosphate topical lotion has all these ingredients. Apart from these ingredients, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate and stearic acid are two other ingredients.

Stearic Acid:

Stearic Acid

In the clindamycin phosphate topical lotion, stearic acid is an important compound that is present in the lotion. This compound is used to treat eczema and pimples. But it does not overdry the skin. Using these products keeps the skin moisturized and bacteria-free.

Many types of medical research are showing the use of stearic acid helps to control the spreading of hives and skin lesions. Static acids keep your skin moisturized, but it reduces all sorts of skin inflammations.

How To Use The Clindamycin Phosphate Gel?

When you are starting to apply for this medicine, always maintain certain precautions. And do not use the gel unless your doctors are not going to prescribe it.

Here is certain guidance which you must follow to apply the clindamycin phosphate gel.

  • Ask your doctor for the right application.
  • A light layer of the gel in the affected areas is the proper method of clindamycin gel application.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions. For sensitive skin people, the doctors often prescribe a very light layer of gel application for the very minimum time. So maintain those instructions.
  • If you feel any irritation after applications of the clindamycin gel, wash it off with natural room temperature water.
  • Avoid overusing soap in pimple-affected areas. Overdrying the skin can turn your skin more acne prone. So keep it in your mind.
  • Topical clindamycin is not a permanent solution for acne cure. This will keep your acne spreading under control.
Caution Tips: Do not use your fingers for applications. The small nozzle tip is the best applicator. Avoid making any contact with your eyes and lips. If you make any contact with your eyes, then wash it off with normal temperature water.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Using Clindamycin Phosphate?

The clindamycin phosphate topical gel is often prescribed by the dermatologist. But overuse of these gels can cause serious damage to your skin. How?

Here are the symptoms and signs of serious side effects of clindamycin phosphate topical gel usage.

  • Skin burning and itching sensation.
  • Skin redness and swelling.
  • Oily skin and skin peeling.
  • Dry skin, skin discoloration, and white marks.
  • Stomach upset and abdominal pain.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles.
Caution Tip: If you found any of these symptoms. It will be better to consult your doctor immediately. So avoid overusing the products.

Dosage For Clindamycin Phosphate

Always applies a thin layer of Clindamycin Phosphate gel to the affected areas only. Usually, the doctors prescribe only twice the use of the gel in a single day.

So before the application, read through your doctor’s prescriptions and instructions. Then start your dosages. After each use, keep the container tightly. That’s all. And wash your hands before the application of the gel and after the application of the gel.

Additional Information:

Clindamycin phosphate gel is safe to use at any time. But for pregnant and breastfeeding women, there are certain security protocols. So it will be better to ask your doctor first.

Clindamycin gel application during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Clindamycin phosphate topical solutions should not be used during pregnancy. But if you want to use these medications, then always ask your doctor first.

Clindamycin gel is a harmless gel and is often sold like an OTC. But there is no harm in asking before consumption of the medicines.

Oral forms of Clindamycin pass through the breast milk. But applications are safe. Hence it will be better to ask the doctor first and then start the medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):-

Q1: How Long Does The Clindamycin Phosphate Take To Work On The Acne?

Ans: Tropical clindamycin works on reducing the number of bacteria that cause acne. This minimises the pimple’s size and swelling. But you have to give at least four to six weeks to see the effects.

Q2: What Types Of Acne Does Clindamycin Treat?

Ans: Clindamycin and retinoids are often prescribed by dermatologists to treat mild to moderate acne. Topical clindamycin reduces inflammations of the bacteria while the retinoids repair the skin damage, and by regular use, it can avoid discoloration.

Q3: Which Is Better For Treating Acne, Clindamycin, Or Salicylic Acid?

Ans: Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are better compounds to treat acne. Clindamycin is a little bit of light medication. For cyst acne, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are better. The dermatologist prescribes the medicine depending upon the acne type and information.

Q4: Do You Wash Your Face After Using Clindamycin?

Ans: These instructions depend on your dermatologist. Yes, usually, the doctors give instructions like at least keeping the ointment for 1 hour and avoiding applying any medication to the affected areas where you are currently using the gel. 

Wrapping It Up:

Clindamycin phosphate topical solution belongs to the family of antibiotics and medicines. Clindamycin phosphate topical lotion and gel are both used for threatening mild and moderate acne.

But overuse of anything, especially killing the bacteria in a certain space is not good. So before applying these gels and lotions, always ask the doctors first. Are you currently using this medication? If you think I am missing out on any point, do not forget to share your opinion through the comment sections.

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Harsha Sharma

Harsha is a senior content writer with numerous hobbies who takes great pride in spreading kindness. Earning a Postgraduate degree in Microbiology, she invests her time reading and informing people about various topics, particularly health and lifestyle. She believes in continuous learning, with life as her inspiration, and opines that experiences enrich our lives.

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