Cabtreo pairs clindamycin phosphate 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1% in one once-daily gel. Epiduo Forte pairs adapalene 0.3% with benzoyl peroxide 2.5% and contains no antibiotic, and both gels can cause redness, dryness and stinging. Adapalene is a topical retinoid that unclogs pores, benzoyl peroxide fights acne bacteria, and clindamycin is a topical antibiotic.
Cabtreo is for acne vulgaris in patients age 12 and older, according to the U.S. FDA in Cabtreo prescribing information. The FDA approved it on Oct. 20, 2023 as the first fixed-dose triple-combination topical for acne, based on two Phase 3 trials, according to the company in the Bausch Health approval announcement.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- What is in each gel?
- Do you need an antibiotic?
- What skin reactions should you expect?
- When should you call your clinician?
- How to choose at the visit?
What is in each gel?
Cabtreo delivers three actions at once: antibiotic, retinoid and antibacterial oxidant. Its once-daily formula contains clindamycin 1.2%, adapalene 0.15% and benzoyl peroxide 3.1%. The combination targets bacteria, clogged pores and inflammation together.
Epiduo Forte delivers two actions: retinoid plus antibacterial oxidant. Its once-daily formula contains adapalene 0.3% and benzoyl peroxide 2.5%, according to the U.S. FDA in Epiduo Forte prescribing information. It has double the adapalene concentration of Cabtreo, but one fewer active ingredient.
Do you need an antibiotic?
An antibiotic helps when inflammatory papules and pustules dominate or bacteria drive flares. Cabtreo includes clindamycin already paired with benzoyl peroxide in the same tube. That built-in pairing matches current dermatology practice.
Dermatology guidelines recommend combining topical antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide and limiting antibiotic duration to reduce resistance, according to the American Academy of Dermatology reported via the updated acne guidelines summary. Epiduo Forte avoids antibiotic exposure entirely because it has only adapalene and benzoyl peroxide. A reader who wants no antibiotic, had antibiotic side effects, or has mild comedonal acne may prefer that simpler approach.
What skin reactions should you expect?
Both products commonly cause local irritation. Reported effects include redness, scaling, dryness, stinging or burning, and contact dermatitis. Severe irritation may require pausing treatment, changing frequency, or stopping the product.
Both also increase sun sensitivity. Daily sunscreen and protective clothing matter during use, especially on cheeks, forehead and chin. Apply a pea-sized amount as directed, moisturize as advised, and avoid extra retinoids, harsh scrubs or medicated soaps unless the prescriber approves.
When should you call your clinician?
Cabtreo has one additional systemic warning from absorbed clindamycin. It can cause severe intestinal inflammation with stomach cramps and watery or bloody diarrhea. Stop use and contact a clinician promptly if those symptoms appear.
- Watery or bloody diarrhea after starting Cabtreo
- Severe cramps, abdominal pain or persistent irritation
- Swelling, blistering, oozing or signs of allergy
- Sunburn-like reaction despite sunscreen and dose changes
How to choose at the visit?
Match the formula to antibiotic need, retinoid tolerance and routine. Cabtreo offers three mechanisms in one step for patients who warrant topical clindamycin. Epiduo Forte offers stronger adapalene without antibiotic exposure for patients who do not.
Choice also turns on tolerability and clinician judgment. Higher adapalene does not mean stronger for every person, because vehicle, dose frequency and skin type affect response. Bring a list of prior reactions to retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin, plus current cleansers and sunscreens.