Topical clindamycin versus systemic tetracycline in the treatment of acne. Results of a multiclinic trial.

In a multiclinic double-blind trial, 305 patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris were treated with oral tetracycline hydrochloride, 250 mg (N: 103), a 1% solution of clindamycin phosphate (N: 105), or placebo (N: 97) twice daily for 8 weeks. The response to treatment was evaluated by lesion counts and overall clinical improvement at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Both topical clindamycin and oral tetracycline significantly reduced papule and pustule counts compared to placebo; they were rated significantly higher than placebo on the physician's and the patient's overall evaluation at the end of the treatment period. No serious side effects were reported with any of the study medications.