A clindamycin, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide topical gel is a three-ingredient prescription acne combination. The U.S. brand CABTREO is labeled with clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1%. It differs from both plain clindamycin gel and the two-active fixed acne products.
The three ingredients have different roles: an antibiotic, a retinoid and benzoyl peroxide. The exact gel formulation, label and clinical plan matter; independently purchased creams and gels do not create a manufacturer-defined triple formulation. The product is for topical acne care, not oral treatment or vaginal use.
This page explains the ingredient combination as a product family, while the CABTREO brand page addresses the named product. To compare all types of fixed acne formulas, visit the combination treatment hub.
A triple combination includes clindamycin phosphate, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide in a single gel. A prescription or pharmacy entry should state all three; a listing mentioning clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide alone is incomplete, while a product containing adapalene without an antibiotic is a different medicine.
The formulation-specific ingredients and proportions are established by the manufacturer’s labeling. They cannot be reliably identified by a product photograph or a website shorthand that drops one active ingredient.
| Feature | CABTREO triple gel | Two-ingredient example |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Clindamycin phosphate, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide | Clindamycin plus benzoyl peroxide |
| Labeled percentages | 1.2% / 0.15% / 3.1% | Depends on the prescribed two-ingredient gel |
| Retinoid | Adapalene present | Absent in clindamycin/BPO-only gel |
| Dosage form | Prescription topical gel | Prescription topical gel |
| OTC equivalence | None established from separate OTC tubes | OTC BPO alone lacks clindamycin |
| Pharmacy check | Confirm all three ingredients and exact strengths | Confirm both ingredients and exact strengths |
The U.S. CABTREO formula contains 1.2% clindamycin phosphate (equivalent to approximately 1% clindamycin), 0.15% adapalene and 3.1% benzoyl peroxide. The labeled product is a single topical gel supplied in 20 g and 50 g pumps. These three numbers identify separate ingredients; they should not be confused with 0.1% over-the-counter standalone adapalene.
If a search result lists 0.1% adapalene or a different benzoyl peroxide percentage, do not assume it is a CABTREO equivalent. See standalone adapalene products for that different product market.
A clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide fixed gel does not contain a retinoid. A clindamycin/tretinoin fixed gel contains a different retinoid and lacks benzoyl peroxide as a fixed active. Adding or swapping the ingredient changes the therapeutic and adverse-effect profile.
The antibiotic/benzoyl peroxide page and antibiotic/tretinoin page compare those product families without representing them as automatic alternatives. The prescriber must decide which active ingredients and regimen fit the patient.
U.S. CABTREO labeling indicates topical treatment of acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients age 12 years and older. The gel is not intended for eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, oral use or intravaginal use. The prescriber decides whether it suits the individual case.
An approved age range does not guarantee a good match for every adolescent or adult. Skin condition, tolerability, previous treatment, pregnancy-related factors and other medications still require clinical assessment.
Benzoyl peroxide is a meaningful part of acne treatment alongside topical antibiotics because it can help limit antibiotic resistance, as reflected in dermatology guidance. Its presence in CABTREO distinguishes the formulation from a retinoid/antibiotic-only gel.
The rationale does not support unlimited antibiotic use or self-directed replacement. The antibiotic resistance discussion explains why the overall acne plan should be monitored.
Adapalene is a topical retinoid. With benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin in the same gel, patients need counseling about potential dryness, redness, burning or peeling and about avoiding broken, sunburned or severely irritated skin when the label advises.
Other scrubs, drying agents and prescription acne products may increase irritation. The clinician should review the person’s entire routine rather than assuming a three-ingredient formula can simply be layered on top of every existing treatment.
The prescribed and dispensed product should list all three active ingredients and match the concentrations, topical gel route, package and directions. CABTREO label packaging includes pumps, which should not be confused with a tube of a two-ingredient formula.
Ask a licensed pharmacist to clarify any brand/generic entry or proposed substitute. The product availability checklist helps distinguish verified stock from a broad directory listing.
The CABTREO label lists as formal contraindications known hypersensitivity to clindamycin, adapalene, benzoyl peroxide, other formulation components or lincomycin, and a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis. These are not merely optional history questions; they are label-based reasons the product must not be used in those circumstances.
Topical clindamycin may be systemically absorbed, and serious colitis has occurred with clindamycin therapy. CABTREO labeling directs discontinuation if diarrhea occurs and calls for clinical evaluation. The C. difficile warning guide discusses why a topical route does not eliminate the need to respond to concerning symptoms.
CABTREO is a retinoid-containing combination. Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, breastfeeding, other prescription retinoids, photosensitivity and skin irritation warrant product-specific review with the prescribing clinician rather than transferring counseling from OTC adapalene 0.1% gel. Its approved acne population begins at age 12; that does not make it suitable for every adolescent.
The labeling also warns about photosensitivity, irritated or broken skin and possible irritant or allergic contact dermatitis. A prescriber should evaluate other drying acne treatments, sun exposure and the patient’s tolerance, and the pharmacist should explain the correct instructions for the dispensed gel.
Applying separate clindamycin, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide products is not necessarily the same as using the labeled fixed gel. Concentrations, vehicles, timing and compatibility may differ; a home mixture cannot be treated as a registered fixed-dose product.
A dermatologist can choose separate treatments when clinically appropriate, but that requires an individualized regimen. Do not translate a product comparison into a do-it-yourself prescription.
This triple antibiotic-containing product requires a valid prescription. The patient-specific cost may depend on plan formulary, brand coverage, deductible, package quantity and pharmacy network. A shorter shopping query does not eliminate the need for product-specific benefit checks.
Use the prescription requirements guide for general access, and request a current pharmacist estimate rather than relying on unverified online prices or stock claims.
Before filling an order, distinguish the 1.2%/0.15%/3.1% triple formula from a clindamycin/BPO-only gel, clindamycin/tretinoin gel and OTC adapalene. Verify topical route, the three-ingredient active list, appropriate patient age, 20 g or 50 g pump presentation, contraindication history and brand-specific counseling.
The acne treatment overview provides broader care context. Product labels explain what the medicine is; an individual clinician decides when it should be used.
Clindamycin phosphate, adapalene and benzoyl peroxide.
The label identifies clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1%.
No. Onexton is a two-ingredient clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel and does not contain adapalene.
No. It is prescription-only in the United States.
No. Separate products do not reproduce the labeled fixed formulation.
It is indicated for acne in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older, with prescription-based clinical selection.
No. It is a topical skin acne product, not a vaginal antibiotic preparation.
Yes. Benzoyl peroxide and retinoids can contribute to skin irritation. Follow the prescription and clinician advice.
CABTREO formally contraindicates use in patients with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis. The exact product label also includes hypersensitivity contraindications and warnings about diarrhea.