Benzoyl Peroxide/Clindamycin (On the skin)
BEN-zoe-il per-OX-ide, klin-da-MYE-sin
Treats acne.
Drug classes
Antiacne, Antibacterial (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin combination is used to treat acne. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clean (tiny openings on the skin).
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Gel/Jelly
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Use 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.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
Before you apply this medicine, wash your skin gently with warm water and pat it dry.
Apply 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: Apply 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. Throw away any unused Duac® gel after 60 days or Acanya® gel after 10 weeks.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
Erythromycin Products that contain sulfoneWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or lincomycin, or if you have a history of bowel problems such as ulcerative colitis or severe diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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.
Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Do not get the medicine on your hair or any colored fabric. This medicine may cause bleaching.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these 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
Severe diarrhea or diarrhea that contains blood, abdominal pain or cramps
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Dry skin, rash, itching, redness, or peeling skin where you apply the medicine
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Acanya, Benzaclin, Clindoxyl, Duac, Neuac, Onexton
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
