Topical Retinoids and Fixed-Dose Combination Products for Acne
Product Type/Active Ingredients | Recommended Dosing |
Retinoidsa | |
Adapalene 0.1% cream, gel, lotion/0.3% gel | Daily at bedtime |
Tretinoin 0.025% cream, gel/0.01% gel/0.04%, 0.1% micro-gel/0.05% cream, gel, lotion/0.1% cream | Daily at bedtime |
Tazarotene 0.05% cream, gel/0.1% cream, gel | Daily at bedtime |
Antibiotic/BPO | |
Clindamycin 1.2%/BPO 2.5% gel | Daily |
Clindamycin 1.2%/BPO 3.75% gel | Daily |
Clindamycin 1%/BPO 5% gel | Daily to twice daily |
Erythromycin 3%/BPO 5% gel | Twice daily |
Retinoid-containing | |
Clindamycin 1.2%/Tretinoin 0.025% gel | Daily at bedtime |
Adapalene 0.1%/BPO 2.5% gel, 0.3%/BPO 2.5% gel | Daily |
Abbreviation: BPO, benzoyl peroxide.
a If prescribing a retinoid, consider beginning with adapalene or tretinoin cream 0.025% to reduce the potential for drying or irritation.