Zindaclin (clindamycin gel)

What clindamycin phosphate (topical) is and how it works

Zindaclin is a prescription-only topical gel containing the antibiotic clindamycin, used on the skin to treat mild to moderate acne. It is applied once daily as a thin layer over the affected area. (1)

Use Zindaclin exactly as your prescriber or pharmacist directs, applying it only to the skin and avoiding your eyes and the inside of your mouth, nose, and other mucous membranes.

Mechanism of action: how clindamycin phosphate (topical) works

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding the 50S ribosomal subunit, active against Cutibacterium acnes and other organisms implicated in acne. Systemic absorption from topical use is minimal (in vitro penetration under 5%, median plasma levels below 2 ng/mL at clinical doses in the source reviewed), but clinically meaningful absorption sufficient to cause systemic effects, including Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea/colitis, has been documented. (1) (4)

What clindamycin phosphate (topical) is used for

Before taking clindamycin phosphate (topical)

Do not take / not appropriate for

• Do not use Zindaclin if you have had a serious allergic reaction to clindamycin, lincomycin, or any of the ingredients. (all countries) (1) (4)
• Use with particular caution, and only if your prescriber agrees it is appropriate, if you have a personal history of antibiotic-associated colitis, ulcerative colitis, or regional enteritis (Crohn's disease), since clindamycin -- including topical forms -- has a genuine, if uncommon, association with severe bowel inflammation. (all countries) (1) (4)
• Not recommended for children under 12 years old. (United Kingdom, European Union) (1)

Tell your clinician about

• Any personal history of bowel conditions such as colitis or Crohn's disease.
• Any other topical or oral acne treatments or antibiotics you are using.
• Whether you are pregnant, could become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

How to take clindamycin phosphate (topical)

• Wash and dry the affected skin gently before applying.
• Apply a thin film of gel once daily to the affected area only, avoiding the eyes, lips, mouth, nostrils, and other mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin.
• Wash your hands after applying, unless your hands are part of the treated area.
• Avoid other harsh or drying skin products on the same area unless your prescriber or pharmacist advises otherwise, since combined irritation is more likely.

Procedures and treatment changes

Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1) (2) (3) (4)

Missed dose

If you miss an application, apply it when you remember and continue with your normal daily schedule -- do not apply extra to make up for a missed application. Contact your pharmacist or prescriber if you are unsure.

Overdose

Topical overuse is unlikely to cause serious harm, but seek medical advice if the gel is accidentally swallowed in more than a trivial amount, or if severe skin irritation, watery or bloody diarrhoea, or other concerning symptoms develop. (1) (4)

Side effects

Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms.

Serious warnings

Interactions

• Using other topical acne treatments, exfoliants, or antibiotics on the same skin at the same time may increase irritation -- check with your pharmacist or prescriber before combining products. (1)
• Clindamycin can add to the effect of neuromuscular blocking medicines used during anaesthesia -- tell any anaesthetist or surgical team that you use topical clindamycin before a procedure. (4)

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age

Monitoring

Before starting

• Review of any personal history of bowel conditions (colitis, Crohn's disease)
• Review of other topical or oral acne treatments in use

During treatment

• Watching for new or worsening diarrhoea, especially if watery or bloody.
• Watching for excessive skin dryness, irritation, or peeling that does not settle.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and light, and out of reach of children, following the specific storage instructions and expiry date on the pack.

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Zindaclin 1% Gel -- Summary of Product Characteristicselectronic medicines compendium (emc), United Kingdom -- Crawford Healthcare Ltd · United Kingdom · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 1
2. Clindamycin: list of nationally authorised medicinal products (PSUSA/00000795)European Medicines Agency (EMA) -- PSUSA list of nationally authorised clindamycin-containing medicinal products · European Union · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 2
3. ZINDACLIN clindamycin (as clindamycin phosphate) 1% topical gel tube -- ARTG registration (cancelled)Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia · Australia · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 3
4. CLINDAGEL (clindamycin phosphate) topical gel, 1% -- full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed (NIH), full prescribing information -- for CLINDAGEL (clindamycin phosphate topical gel, 1%), a US-marketed product with the SAME active ingredient, strength, and dosage form as Zindaclin, used here only for shared active-ingredient safety facts since Zindaclin itself is not a confirmed US brand · United States (equivalent active-ingredient product; brand-name availability not confirmed for Zindaclin specifically) · accessed 2026-07-29 · source 4

Brand names by country

Single-ingredient clindamycin phosphate (topical) names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.

Priority countries