Ziana

Generic name:clindamycin and tretinoin (topical) [ klin-da-MYE-sin-and-TRET-i-noyn-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: Veltin, Ziana
Drug class:Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 30, 2021.

What is Ziana?

Ziana is a gel containing a combination of clindamycin and tretinoin. Clindamycin is an antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body.

Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A. It reduces the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin, and helps your skin renew itself more quickly.

Ziana is used to treat severe nodular acne in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Ziana may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Avoid getting Ziana in your eyes, mouth, or nose (or in the creases of your nose), or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not apply Ziana to sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

You should not use this medication if you have ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis), or if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.

You should not use Ziana if you are also taking another antibiotic called erythromycin, or using other skin medications that contain erythromycin.

Although Ziana is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to cause serious side effects.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Ziana can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing cream or lotion as needed.

Before using Ziana

Although Ziana is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to affect certain medical conditions you may have.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to clindamycin or tretinoin, or if you have:

• inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis);

• Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis; or

• if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.

You should not use Ziana if you are also taking another antibiotic called erythromycin, or using other skin medications that contain erythromycin.

To make sure Ziana is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• any allergies; or

• a history of stomach or intestinal disorders.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Ziana will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether clindamycin and tretinoin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

This medicine should not be used on a child younger than 12 years old.