Uses
What is topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide used for?
Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin, which may include inflammatory acne with pus-filled bumps. Acne vulgaris often appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.
Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide work (mechanism of action)?
Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide, which is applied to the affected skin, has two ingredients: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. Clindamycin stops the growth of bacteria (germs) that cause acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and helps remove dead skin cells to keep pores clear.
How is topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide supplied (dosage forms)?
Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is available as Acanya, Duac, Onexton and generic clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide in the following dosage forms that are applied to the skin.
- 1.2%/2.5% topical gel
- 1.2%/3.75% topical gel
- 1.2%/5% topical gel
How should I store topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide topical products should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze. Keep pumps in an upright position or tubes tightly closed. Products can be stored and used up until the expiration date provided by the pharmacy. If you are unsure of the expiration date, check with your pharmacist.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
The most common side effects of topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Skin burning, pain, redness, itching, rash, and irritation
- Dry skin
- Skin peeling
- Contact dermatitis
There may be other side effects of topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
While less common, the most serious side effects of topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide, which contains the antibiotic clindamycin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 months after stopping the medicine. Stop using clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.
- Watery diarrhea
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Blood in your stool (poop)
- Severe stomach cramps
- Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide.
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Clindamycin
- Lincomycin
- Acanya
- Duac
- Onexton
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide products they stock.
Certain Bowel Conditions. Do not use topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide if you have a history of any of the following conditions that affect the bowel.
- Ulcerative colitis or any type of colitis (inflammation of the colon)
- Crohn’s disease
- Severe diarrhea with past use of an antibiotic
What should I know about topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide before using it?
Do not use topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Using it more often may cause irritation and will not make it work faster. Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is only applied to your skin. Do not use the medicine on the eyes, mouth/lips, or vagina, or on cuts or open wounds.
Do not share topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide out of the reach of children.
Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide may irritate the skin. You may notice redness, itching, burning, or flaking. This is more likely to happen if you use topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide with other acne medicines that you apply to the skin. Stop using topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and call your healthcare provider if you develop a skin rash or if your skin becomes very red, itchy, or swollen while using this medicine.
Stay out of direct sunlight and sunlamps while using topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide. If you are often in the sun or have sensitive skin, be extra careful. Use sunscreen and wear a hat if you cannot avoid the sun.
Before using topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide, gently wash the skin, rinse with warm water, and pat it dry.
Wash your hands right away after using this medicine.
Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide may bleach (remove color from) your clothes or hair. Do not get the medicine on colored fabric or hair.
Tell your healthcare provider if you will be having any type of surgery or procedure, because topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide might affect how other medicines work during the procedure.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Sunlight Sensitivity. Tell your healthcare provider if you are sensitive to sunlight, which means your skin easily gets sunburned or irritated from sun exposure.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and alcohol.
Does topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide.
- Erythromycin (Ery-Tab, Erygel, and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Dapsone (Aczone), which is a medicine used for acne
- Any other skin or acne products
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
If you or someone else has used too much topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of topical clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
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