Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Combination of Benzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin with Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide used Separately in Acne Vulgaris

INTRODUCTION Acne vulgaris is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. For the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris, various topical drugs have been used either as monotherapy or combined therapy. AIM To compare the efficacy and safety of combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin with clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide used separately in acne vulgaris. MATERIALS AND METHOD Hospital based prospective, comparative and interventional study was conducted in Department of Dermatology in a teaching institute, Pune for 18 months. SELECTION OF PATIENTS A total of 60 patients, newly diagnosed as acne vulgaris (Grade I and II) were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. Group A Clindamycin 1 % + benzoyl peroxide 2.5 % at night Group B Clindamycin 1 % in the morning and Benzoyl peroxide 2.5 % at night RESULTS There was statistically significant reduction between baseline, 4 and 6 weeks values of non-inflammatory lesions and inflammatory lesions in Group A and Group B. The comparison between the groups before and after treatment was comparable. There was no significant difference between the groups. The cases of erythema were significantly more in Group B as compared to Group A (p