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.