Deriva CMS
Deriva CMS is a gel made by Glenmark that contains Adapalene 0.1% + Clindamycin 1%. It combines Adapalene: retinoid (skin) and Clindamycin: antibiotic.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adapalene | 0.1% |
| Clindamycin | 1% |
Adapalene
What it is used for
Treats acne by unclogging pores.
How it works
A retinoid gel that unblocks pores and calms inflammation in acne; gentler than tretinoin.
How to take it
Apply a pea-sized amount to the whole face at night after washing. Results in 8 to 12 weeks; use sunscreen.
Common side effects
- Dryness
- Redness
- Stinging
- Peeling in the first weeks
Get medical help straight away if
Severe irritation or swelling
Be careful
Causes dryness and sun sensitivity; apply at night; not in pregnancy.
Other medicines and interactions
Avoid using with other strong drying products at first.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy; ask your doctor about breastfeeding (do not apply to the chest).
Clindamycin
What it is used for
As a gel, treats acne; capsules treat skin, bone and dental infections.
How it works
An antibiotic used as a gel for acne (often with benzoyl peroxide), and as capsules for skin, bone, dental and some other infections.
How to take it
Gel: thin layer once or twice a day. Capsules: with a full glass of water, every 6 to 8 hours.
Common side effects
- Diarrhoea (capsules)
- Skin dryness (gel)
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, even weeks later (C. difficile)
- Rash
Be careful
Capsules can cause severe diarrhoea; tell your doctor if it happens.
Other medicines and interactions
Erythromycin weakens it. Do not use the gel alone for long; combine with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed.
Common questions
What is Deriva CMS?
Deriva CMS is a gel by Glenmark containing Adapalene 0.1% + Clindamycin 1%.
What is Deriva CMS used for?
Treats acne by unclogging pores. As a gel, treats acne; capsules treat skin, bone and dental infections.
How should I take Deriva CMS?
Apply a pea-sized amount to the whole face at night after washing. Results in 8 to 12 weeks; use sunscreen. Gel: thin layer once or twice a day. Capsules: with a full glass of water, every 6 to 8 hours. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Deriva CMS?
Common side effects include: Dryness, redness, stinging, peeling in the first weeks, Diarrhoea (capsules), skin dryness (gel). Get medical help straight away for: Severe irritation or swelling, Severe watery or bloody diarrhoea, even weeks later (C. difficile), rash.
Does Deriva CMS need a prescription?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Can I take Deriva CMS in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Avoid in pregnancy; ask your doctor about breastfeeding (do not apply to the chest). Considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed.
What are the substitutes for Deriva CMS?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Adapalene: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Clindamycin: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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