What is Ziana? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Ziana overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Veltin, Ziana

Generic Names:

  • Clindamycin-Tretinoin

Uses:

  • Treats acne. This medicine is a combination of an antibiotic and a retinoid.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiacne, Antibacterial, Retinoid Combination

Forms:

  • Gel/Jelly

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Ziana used for?

Clindamycin-Tretinoin comes in form of a gel and is used to treat acne in adults and children ages 12 years old and above. It works by reducing the amount of oil released by oil glands in your skin and helps skin to renew itself more quickly. Common side effects may include skin irritation, dryness and itching.

What form(s) does Ziana come in?

  • Gel/Jelly

What are common Ziana dosages?

  • Tube 30GM of 1.2-0.025%

  • Tube 60GM of 1.2-0.025%

Ziana images - What does Ziana look like?

  • Ziana
    30gm of 1.2-0.025% tube of gel

  • Ziana
    60gm of 1.2-0.025% tube of gel

How to take Ziana

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • You may need to use this medicine for several weeks or months before your skin starts to look better. Extra medicine will not make it work faster.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • It is best to use this medicine at bedtime.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Before you apply this medicine, wash your face with warm water and a mild soap, rinse well, and pat dry.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • You may need to use this medicine for several weeks or months before your skin starts to look better. Extra medicine will not make it work faster.

  • Topical application routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Before you apply this medicine, wash your face with warm water and a mild soap, rinse well, and pat dry.

  • Missed dose: Topical application routeApply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Topical application routeUse this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Topical application routeApply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

  • It is best to use this medicine at bedtime.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ziana

Ziana contraindications - Who shouldn't take Ziana?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clindamycin or tretinoin, you have Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis, or you had colitis from using an antibiotic.

Ziana warnings

  • This medicine may cause a temporary change in skin color (lighter or darker).

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you are planning to have general anesthesia for surgery.

  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

Ziana interactions & what to avoid when taking Ziana

  • Some medicines can affect how clindamycin/tretinoin works. Tell your doctor if you are taking erythromycin or any muscle relaxant.

  • Do not use any other medicines on the treated skin areas without asking your doctor. Do not use skin care products that can dry or irritate your skin, such as rough skin cleansers, soaps, or products that contain alcohol.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • This medicine may cause a temporary change in skin color (lighter or darker).

  • Topical application routeDo not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Ziana side effects - How does Ziana make you feel?

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Diarrhea that is watery or contains blood

  • Severe or ongoing skin redness, peeling, itching, blistering, crusting, or swelling