Clindamycin 1% w/w: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Acne (pimples) – mild to moderate inflammatory acne on the face, chest or back; Red, pus-filled pimples caused by acne bacteria.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.50 to ₹11.71 per g across 7 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / g | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clindamycin Phosphate Gel 1%w/wJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 20 g | ₹30.00 | ₹1.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Acnesol | Systopic Laboratories Pvt Ltd | 20 g | ₹113.00 | ₹5.65 | 19 October 2026 |
| Clingard | Fulford India Ltd | 15 g | ₹92.00 | ₹6.13 | 19 October 2026 |
| Clinbid 1% | Innovative Pharmaceuticals | 20 g | ₹135.94 | ₹6.80 | 19 October 2026 |
| Clindac A | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 30 g | ₹285.00 | ₹9.50 | 19 October 2026 |
| Cleargel 1% | Hegde and Hegde Pharmaceutica LLP | 20 g | ₹201.00 | ₹10.05 | 19 October 2026 |
| Erytop | USV Private Limited | 20 g | ₹234.30 | ₹11.71 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Acne (pimples) – mild to moderate inflammatory acne on the face, chest or back.
- Red, pus-filled pimples caused by acne bacteria.
- Often combined with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid (adapalene/tretinoin) in a dermatologist's plan to prevent antibiotic resistance.
How to take it
Wash the affected area with a gentle cleanser, pat dry and wait a few minutes. Apply a thin layer of gel over the whole acne-prone area (not just on individual pimples), usually once or twice a day as prescribed. Wash your hands afterwards and keep it away from the eyes, nose, mouth and any cuts. It takes 4 to 8 weeks to see a clear improvement, so keep going. Do not use it alone for months – dermatologists usually pair it with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid and stop the antibiotic once the acne is controlled. See a doctor if the acne is severe, scarring, or has not improved after 2 to 3 months.
Side effects
Common
- Dryness, peeling or mild redness where applied.
- Burning, stinging or itching.
- Oily skin or new small pimples in the first weeks.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Severe or bloody diarrhoea with stomach cramps – even from skin use, clindamycin can rarely cause a gut infection; stop and see a doctor.
- Severe skin irritation, swelling or blistering – stop using it.
- Allergic reaction – rash spreading beyond the area, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing.
Safety information
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol does not interact with the gel. Avoid alcohol-based toners and astringents on the skin, which add to the dryness.
Pregnancy
Very little is absorbed through the skin; it is often considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but check with your doctor first and do not apply on the breast.
Kidney problems
No issue with skin use; tell your doctor about kidney disease anyway.
Liver problems
No issue with skin use.
Children
Used for acne in teenagers 12 and above; not routinely in younger children.
Missed dose
Apply it when you remember, unless the next application is nearly due – then skip it. Do not apply extra.
Interactions
- Erythromycin-based acne products – do not use together; they cancel each other out.
- Benzoyl peroxide – commonly combined and actually recommended, but apply at different times or use a combination product to avoid excess dryness.
- Harsh or medicated soaps, scrubs, alcohol-based aftershaves – more irritation.
- Tretinoin/adapalene – can be combined under a dermatologist, usually one in the morning and one at night.
- Muscle relaxants given during surgery – tell the anaesthetist you use clindamycin, as a precaution.
Frequently asked questions
What is Clindac A gel used for?
Clindac A contains clindamycin 1%, an antibiotic gel for acne. It reduces the bacteria that cause red, pus-filled pimples and calms inflammation. It works best on inflammatory acne rather than blackheads alone.
How long does Clindac A take to work?
Some improvement is usually seen within 2 to 4 weeks, with clearer results by 6 to 8 weeks. Pimples may seem to flare slightly in the first week. Keep applying daily; if there is no change after 2 to 3 months, see a dermatologist.
Can I use Clindac A on my whole face?
Yes – apply a thin layer over the entire acne-prone area, not just on visible pimples, because the gel prevents new ones from forming. Avoid the eyes, lips and nostrils.
Erytop vs Clindac A – what is the difference?
Both contain clindamycin 1% gel and work the same way; Erytop is made by USV and Clindac A by Alkem. Differences are mainly in base, texture and price. Use whichever your dermatologist prescribed.
Can I use Clindac A with benzoyl peroxide or adapalene?
Yes, and dermatologists often recommend it. Clindamycin alone leads to resistant bacteria over months, so pairing it with benzoyl peroxide (for example Benzac AC) or a retinoid like adapalene gives better results. Typically one is used in the morning and the other at night.
Is clindamycin gel safe in pregnancy?
Only tiny amounts are absorbed through the skin, and topical clindamycin is often used in pregnancy when acne needs treatment. Check with your gynaecologist first and avoid oral isotretinoin or tretinoin cream, which are not safe in pregnancy.
Can clindamycin gel cause diarrhoea?
Rarely. Clindamycin in tablet form is well known for causing a serious gut infection, and although very little is absorbed from the gel, severe or bloody diarrhoea during or after use should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Can I apply moisturiser or sunscreen over Clindac A?
Yes. Let the gel dry for a few minutes, then apply a non-comedogenic moisturiser and sunscreen. This reduces the dryness and peeling the gel can cause.
Do I need a prescription for Clindac A gel in India?
Yes. Clindamycin is a Schedule H antibiotic, so chemists should ask for a prescription. Using antibiotics on the skin without a plan to stop them leads to resistance, so a dermatologist's guidance matters.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Clindamycin Topical (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms