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Home > Drug Category > Acne Medication > Ziana and Equivalent

Ziana Information

Ziana (clindamycin phosphate and tretinoin) is a topical medication used to treat acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. It comes as a gel that combines two active ingredients: clindamycin, an antibiotic, and tretinoin, a retinoid. Clindamycin works by stopping the growth of acne-causing bacteria, specifically Propionibacterium acnes, which helps to reduce inflammation. Tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, works by affecting the growth and differentiation of epithelial cells. It helps to unclog pores and prevent new acne lesions from forming by promoting the shedding of old skin cells. The combination of these two ingredients provides a dual mechanism of action to both kill bacteria and address the underlying causes of acne. Ziana is a prescription-only medication and is intended for external use only.

Ziana Side Effects

The most common side effects of Ziana may include skin-related issues like dryness, peeling, redness (erythema), and a stinging or burning sensation. These effects are often most noticeable during the first few weeks of treatment as the skin adapts to the medication and typically become less severe with continued use. You should call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic reactions: Signs include a widespread rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing.
• Colitis: This is a rare but serious side effect related to the clindamycin component. Symptoms include severe or persistent diarrhea, bloody stools, or stomach pain and cramps. This can occur weeks after stopping the medication.
• Severe skin irritation: If the irritation becomes severe, persistent, or is accompanied by significant swelling or blistering, you should stop using the medication and contact your doctor.

Ziana Precautions

Do not use Ziana if you are allergic to clindamycin, tretinoin, or any of its ingredients. Do not use Ziana if you have a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis, as the clindamycin component has a boxed warning for the risk of severe colitis. Ziana is for topical use only and should not be used in the eyes, mouth, or vagina. The tretinoin component can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid or minimize exposure to sunlight, including sunlamps and tanning beds, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

You should tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), herbal supplements, and vitamins. The use of other topical acne treatments or products that may dry or irritate the skin (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, abrasive soaps) should be used with caution, as this may increase skin irritation. Ziana may also interact with other medications. The clindamycin component may cause neuromuscular blocking effects.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Ziana should not be used during pregnancy as oral and topical tretinoin can cause congenital disabilities. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. It is not known if Ziana passes into breast milk, and a decision should be made to either stop nursing or discontinue the medication, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Ziana is typically applied once daily in the evening to the affected areas on the skin. After gently washing and patting your skin dry, use a pea-sized amount of the gel in a thin layer. It is crucial to wash your hands thoroughly after application. Avoid applying an excessive amount of gel, as this will not increase effectiveness but may increase the risk of skin irritation. Consistency is key to achieving optimal results. If you miss a dose, apply the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up on doses. Visible improvements may take several weeks. Store Ziana at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Ziana?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Ziana.