A single centre, open-label, cross-over study of pharmacokinetics comparing topical zinc clindamycin gel (Zindaclin®) and topical clindamycin lotion (Dalacin® T) in subjects with mild to moderate acne

Zinc clindamycin gel (Zindaclin® 1%) gel, is a new once-daily topical acne treatment (Strakan Ltd) containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 1% clindamycin and zinc acetate in a formulation, which leads to a reduced systemic absorption of clindamycin through the skin. The objective of the study was to compare the systemic absorption of clindamycin from zinc clindamycin gel and clindamycin lotion (Dalacin® T topical lotion, Pharmacia Ltd) after repeated twice-daily topical administration for two periods of 5 days with an intervening gap of 2 weeks in 24 subjects with mild to moderate acne. Plasma Cmax, and AUC0-12 of clindamycin measured after single and multiple applications of zinc clindamycin gel were between 30% and 50% lower than for clindamycin lotion. As zinc clindamycin gel is a topical treatment for acne, the lower systemic bioavailability may be beneficial because there may be a correspondingly lower risk of systemic events in zinc clindamycin gel-treated subjects.