Comparative efficacy of clindamycin phosphate with benzoyl peroxide versus clindamycin phosphate with adapalene in acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that significantly impacts both physical appearance and mental well-being. Acne, being a chronic skin condition, often requires continuous treatment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide 3...

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Main Authors: Ali Aleid, Abdulsalam Mohammed Aleid, Houriah Yasir Nukaly, Hajar Ahmed AL Mustanyir, Ghadeer Yahya Almasabi, Anwar Mustafa Alsaeed, Raghad Waheed Nadra, Bushra Alshammari, Salman Hamdan Alsaqri, Kawthar Alsaleh, Muhammad Daniyal, Abbas Al Mutair
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-05543-7
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Summary:Abstract Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition that significantly impacts both physical appearance and mental well-being. Acne, being a chronic skin condition, often requires continuous treatment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/benzoyl peroxide 3% compared to clindamycin phosphate 1.2%/adapalene 0.1% combinations for treating acne vulgaris. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were carried out following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, and three databases were searched to identify RCTs comparing CLIN/BPO with CLIN/ADAP. Primary outcomes included treatment-emergent adverse events, inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts, and application site side effects. Statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3. The study included a total of 800 participants across three RCTs. The meta-analysis of three RCTs demonstrated a significantly lower risk of TEAEs with CLIN/BPO (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.35–0.86, p < 0.001). CLIN/BPO also resulted in fewer application site side effects (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.23–0.47, p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed between the groups for reducing inflammatory (MD = 1.34, 𝑝 = 0.121) or non-inflammatory lesion counts (MD = 0.04, 𝑝 = 0.98). The study concluded that although CLIN/BPO was associated with fewer side effects, both treatments were equally effective in reducing acne lesions. The favorable safety profile of CLIN/BPO, particularly regarding treatment-emergent and application-site adverse events, suggests it may be the more tolerable option for patients. Future studies with larger, more diverse populations are recommended to confirm these findings and explore long-term efficacy.
ISSN:2045-2322