Clindagel
(clindamycin)Clindagel Prescribing Information
In one 12-week multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel comparison clinical trial in which patients used CLINDAGEL(clindamycin phosphate topical gel, 1%) once daily or the vehicle gel once daily, in the treatment of acne vulgaris of mild to moderate severity, CLINDAGEL applied once daily was more effective than the vehicle applied once daily. The mean percent reductions in lesion counts at the end of treatment in this study are shown in the following table:
Lesions | CLINDAGEL QD N=162 | Vehicle Gel QD N=82 |
---|---|---|
| ||
Inflammatory | 51% | 40% * |
Noninflammatory | 25% | 12% * |
Total | 38% | 27% * |
There was a trend in the investigator’s global assessment of the results, which favored CLINDAGEL QD over the vehicle QD.
In a contact sensitization study, four of the 200 subjects appeared to develop suggestive evidence of allergic contact sensitization to CLINDAGEL. There was no signal for contact sensitization in the clinical trials under normal use conditions.
Apply a thin film of CLINDAGEL once daily to the skin where acne lesions appear. Use enough to cover the entire affected area lightly.
Keep container tightly closed.
CLINDAGEL is contraindicated in individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to preparations containing clindamycin or lincomycin, a history of regional enteritis or ulcerative colitis, or a history of antibiotic-associated colitis.
In the one well-controlled clinical study comparing CLINDAGEL and its vehicle, the incidence of skin and appendages adverse events occurring in ≥1% of the patients in either group is presented in the following table:
Number (%) of Patients | ||
---|---|---|
Body System/Adverse Event | CLINDAGEL QD N=168 | Vehicle Gel QD N=84 |
Skin and Appendages Disorders |
| |
| 0 (0.0) | 1 (1.2) |
| 0 (0.0) | 1 (1.2) |
| 0 (0.0) | 1 (1.2) |
| 0 (0.0) | 1 (1.2) |
| 0 (0.0) | 1 (1.2) |
| 1 (0.6) | 1 (1.2) |
| 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| 1 (0.6) | 0 (0.0) |
Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis, which may end fatally.
Cases of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported as adverse reactions in patients treated with oral and parenteral formulations of clindamycin and rarely with topical clindamycin (see WARNINGS). Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as gram-negative folliculitis, have also been reported in association with the use of topical formulations of clindamycin.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
CLINDAGEL (clindamycin phosphate) topical gel, 1%, a topical antibiotic, contains clindamycin phosphate, USP, at a concentration equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per gram in a gel vehicle consisting of carbomer 941, methylparaben, polyethylene glycol 400, propylene glycol, purified water, and sodium hydroxide. Chemically, clindamycin phosphate is a water-soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic produced by a 7 (S)-chlorosubstitution of the 7 (R)-hydroxyl group of the parent antibiotic, lincomycin, and has the structural formula represented below:

The chemical name for clindamycin phosphate is methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-methyl-trans-4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-α-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate).
Pharmacokinetics: In an open-label, parallel group study of 24 patients with acne vulgaris, once-daily topical administration of approximately 3 to 12 grams/day of CLINDAGEL for 5 days resulted in peak plasma clindamycin concentrations that were less than 5.5 ng/mL.
Following multiple applications of CLINDAGEL less than 0.04% of the total dose was excreted in the urine.
Microbiology: Although clindamycin phosphate is inactivein vitro, rapid in vitro hydrolysis converts this compound to clindamycin, which has antibacterial activity. Clindamycin inhibits bacteria protein synthesis at the ribosomal level by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit and affecting the process of peptide chain initiation. In vitro studies indicated that clindamycin inhibited all tested Propionibacterium acnes cultures at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.4 mcg/mL. Cross-resistance has been demonstrated between clindamycin and erythromycin.
CLINDAGEL containing clindamycin phosphate equivalent to 10 mg clindamycin per gram is available in the following size:
75 mL bottle - NDC 16781-462-75
Store at controlled room temperature 20°to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). Do not store in direct sunlight.
Retain in carton until contents are used.
Distributed by:
Bausch Health US, LLC
Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA
Manufactured by:
Bausch Health Companies Inc.
Laval, Quebec H7L 4A8, Canada
CLINDAGEL is a trademark of
Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates.
© 2020 Bausch Health Companies Inc. or its affiliates
9706100
Rev. 01/20
Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis, which may result in patient death. Use of the topical formulation of clindamycin results in absorption of the antibiotic from the skin surface. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin.
Studies indicate a toxin(s) produced by Clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Endoscopic examination may reveal pseudomembranous colitis. Stool culture for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C.difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically.
When significant diarrhea occurs, the drug should be discontinued. Large bowel endoscopy should be considered to establish a definitive diagnosis in cases of severe diarrhea. Antiperistaltic agents, such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine, may prolong and/or worsen the condition.
Diarrhea, colitis, and pseudomembranous colitis have been observed to begin up to several weeks following cessation of oral and parenteral therapy with clindamycin.
Clindagel Prior Authorization Resources
Most recent state uniform prior authorization forms
Clindagel Financial Assistance Options
Copay savings program
Overview
- Reduce patient OOP costs for drug (and occasionally for drug administration/infusion costs or drug-related test costs)
Patient benefit
- A portion (or all) of patient OOP (deductible, copay), typically up to monthly and/or annual max
Patient eligibility
- Patient must enroll or activate (may permit HCPs to enroll on patient’s behalf for HCP-administered drugs)
- Generally, must have commercial insurance (rarely, may permit uninsured patients to use)
- May never be used with government insurance
How to sign up
- Cards may be downloadable digital cards or hard copies
- Some pharmacos offer debit cards with pre-loaded copay benefit
- Typically, available through multiple channels (e.g., rep to HCP to patient; pharmacy to patient; patient via website, Hub live agent, or copay vendor (live agent or IVR); patient and HCP via Hub enrollment form)
- Some HCP-administered product programs permit HCPs to enroll on a patient’s behalf through via Hub form