Cabtreo is a U.S. prescription topical gel containing three acne-treatment ingredients: clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1%. The FDA-labeled product is indicated for acne vulgaris in adults and patients aged 12 years and older. It is not plain clindamycin 1% gel, standalone OTC adapalene 0.1% gel, or a two-ingredient antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide combination. See the triple-combination formulation guide for the drug-family context.
Cabtreo has a specific fixed-strength formula and a branded prescription identity. The clindamycin phosphate, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide concentrations should all match the actual dispensed product. The U.S. label describes 20-gram and 50-gram pump presentations; a label or manufacturer listing does not prove that a particular pharmacy currently stocks either package. This page focuses on Cabtreo as a named product rather than all clindamycin acne combinations.
Before filling a prescription, ask a licensed U.S. pharmacy to confirm the exact formula, package, prescribed directions, coverage and whether any proposed alternative is legitimately authorized. A three-drug gel is not automatically interchangeable with a two-drug product or a set of separately purchased acne ingredients. The online pharmacy verification guide covers lawful prescription processing without promising a prescription or stock.
Cabtreo combines clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1% in one topical gel. The three percentages correspond to three different active ingredients; its label should never be shortened to “clindamycin gel”.
The FDA labeling identifies use for acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. This is a prescription topical product, not an OTC adapalene gel and not a medication for oral, ophthalmic or intravaginal use.
Clindamycin is the topical antibacterial component, adapalene is a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide is another acne-active ingredient. Combining them in one product can reduce the number of separate topical products, but it also makes the formula very different from single-agent therapies.
A patient should not attempt to reconstruct Cabtreo from separate over-the-counter purchases. Separate products may have different strengths, vehicles, instructions and exposure profiles.
The U.S. Cabtreo label describes the 1.2%/0.15%/3.1% formula and pump presentations. When reviewing a pharmacy listing, confirm all three percentages, not just “clindamycin/adapalene/BPO”.
A manufacturer catalog or drug listing does not show whether a particular retail pharmacy has inventory. The pharmacy should confirm available package size, appropriate product identification and whether the prescription needs clarification.
The FDA label identifies Cabtreo for topical acne treatment in patients 12 years and older and describes once-daily application of a thin layer to affected areas after gently cleansing and drying the skin. That is branded labeling, not individualized prescribing advice. The prescriber may need to review a patient’s skin condition, other retinoids, allergies and prior antibiotic exposures before deciding if this fixed triple formula fits the regimen.
Cabtreo is supplied in 20 g and 50 g pumps according to its U.S. label. Pharmacy records should be checked for the exact package and all three ingredient percentages. Do not transfer application directions from topical clindamycin-only products, or treat a separately purchased adapalene or benzoyl peroxide preparation as a replacement for a labeled Cabtreo pump.
Onexton and Acanya contain clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide but do not contain adapalene. Ziana contains clindamycin and tretinoin but not benzoyl peroxide. Cabtreo is not an automatic replacement for either pair.
Even when a patient has used a retinoid before, differences in retinoid identity and concentration matter. A prescriber should assess suitability and pharmacist counseling should match the selected product.
Cabtreo is intended only for external skin use. The label advises avoiding eyes, mouth, mucous membranes and broken, eczematous or sunburned skin, as well as minimizing sunlight and tanning-lamp exposure. Dryness, scaling, redness, stinging, burning and allergic contact dermatitis are possible; benzoyl peroxide may bleach fabrics or hair. Review sunscreen and protective-clothing precautions with the prescribing clinician.
Discuss other exfoliating or irritating acne products with the clinician, since overlapping products can complicate tolerability. Do not increase the prescribed application amount or frequency to compensate for missed use.
Cabtreo is contraindicated in people with known hypersensitivity to clindamycin, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, lincomycin or any of the product’s components. The U.S. label also specifically contraindicates use with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis. These are formal contraindications even though the gel is applied to the skin, because topical clindamycin can be systemically absorbed.
The label directs discontinuation if diarrhea occurs and warns that colitis may be severe. It also addresses photosensitivity, skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis; avoiding excessive ultraviolet exposure and other irritating acne products matters. Adapalene-containing regimens warrant pregnancy-related counseling. Seek prompt assessment for significant diarrhea, bloody stools, severe abdominal pain or a serious allergic reaction instead of assuming all reactions to topical acne medicine are minor.
A valid prescription should specify the intended medicine and formulation, and the dispensing pharmacist should resolve any ambiguity between Cabtreo and other similarly named acne therapies. The online pharmacy guide explains how to check licensure, prescription requirements and access to a pharmacist rather than relying on marketing promises.
If the requested package is not available, ask the pharmacy what it can actually dispense and whether the prescriber must authorize an alternative. When comparing products, the related formulation comparison is useful for identifying differences, but does not authorize self-directed switching.
Cabtreo out-of-pocket costs depend on the specific branded pump size, insurance formulary rules, prior authorization if required, dispensing pharmacy and applicable patient benefits. No permanent advertised dollar amount can represent an individual checkout. The topical clindamycin cost guide explains package and benefit variables without asserting that a generic triple formula is available.
Ask for a current quote for the exact brand or authorized substitute, with the same strength and package. Insurance verification covers tiers and prior authorization, while cash-pay discussions should focus on the total amount rather than unspecified discount promises.
This table separates the information printed on a U.S. prescription drug label from the additional facts a dispensing pharmacy must confirm. It should be used to frame questions, not to choose an antibiotic or retinoid regimen.
If the listing conflicts with the prescription on an ingredient, concentration or route, pause the transaction and ask a pharmacist or prescriber. Minor differences in brand spelling or packaging photography should not override the actual label.
| Check | Brand identity | What to ask the pharmacy |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient formula | clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15%, and benzoyl peroxide 3.1% | Does the dispensed item match the prescription? |
| Route | Topical skin use only | Is this a prescription acne gel, not oral or vaginal medication? |
| Brand/generic | Brand label; any substitutes require verification | Is the proposed alternative appropriate and permitted? |
| Pack and quantity | Manufacturer-labeled package; verify current presentation | Which package and quantity will be dispensed? |
| Cost | Plan or cash quote varies | What is the full current patient price? |
A patient should contact their clinician about severe irritation, allergic symptoms, persistent or severe diarrhea, or other unexpected reactions. Because this product contains a topical antibiotic, a history of colitis deserves careful review rather than assuming skin application eliminates systemic concerns.
If acne is not responding, the medicine is not tolerated or the desired brand is unavailable, do not improvise with another strength. Review the clinical role of topical clindamycin and arrange an individualized treatment discussion.
No. Cabtreo has its own labeled active-ingredient formula (clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15%, and benzoyl peroxide 3.1%). A product that changes an ingredient, concentration or route is not necessarily interchangeable; a pharmacist and prescriber should assess the proposed substitution.
The formula contains clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15%, and benzoyl peroxide 3.1%. Check the U.S. label and the pharmacy-dispensed item rather than relying on a shortened product name.
Not without review. The other brand or formulation may contain a different ingredient or concentration; the treating clinician and dispensing pharmacist should decide whether an alternative is appropriate.
No. A published label identifies a medicine and its approved information but does not provide real-time inventory for any pharmacy.
No. This is a topical skin product. It is not labeled for oral, eye or intravaginal administration.
Do not assume so. A pharmacist must confirm whether a specifically approved and permissible corresponding product exists and whether it matches all three ingredients, strengths and prescription requirements.
No. Coverage varies by plan, formulary, pharmacy network and individual benefits. Request a current quote or claim check.
The label contraindicates use for hypersensitivity to listed ingredients or lincomycin and a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis. Ask the prescriber to review the complete safety information.
Ask the pharmacy to clarify the difference and contact the prescriber when the substitute is not clearly authorized or equivalent.