Evaluation of the antimicrobial effects in vivo of Triaz® Gel (benzoyl peroxide special gel), Cleocin-T® Lotion (clindamycin phosphate lotion), and Azelex® Cream (azelaic acid cream) in humans

Abstract

This single-blind, 4-week study compared the in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of three topical antimicrobial products used to treat acne: Triaz® 10% Gel (benzoyl peroxide special gel), Azelex® Cream (azelaic acid cream), and 2% Cleocin-T® Lotion (clindamycin phosphate lotion). There were three parallel groups, each containing males and females with minimum baseline Propionibacterium acnes of 10 000 colony forming units per cm². Each product was applied twice daily for 4 weeks and P. acnes was sampled using the scrub procedures of Williamson and Kligman on the forehead and both cheeks, at baseline and at 2 and 4 weeks. The results showed that Triaz Gel produced substantial and significantly superior reductions in P. acnes, compared with those produced by Cleocin-T Lotion and Azelex Cream as early as 2 weeks and continuing through 4 weeks of treatment (P=<0.01). Further, while Triaz Gel and Cleocin-T Lotion produced significant reductions in P. acnes compared with baseline after 2 and 4 weeks, Azelex Cream appeared to produce no reduction in P. acnes at either time point.

Key Words:

• Triaz®
• Benzoyl peroxide special gel
• Cleocin-T® lotion
• 2% clindamycin phosphate lotion
• Azelex® cream
• 20% azelaic acid cream
• Acne
• In vivo microbiological activity
• P. acnes