benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical

Brand name(s):

benzoyl peroxide-clindamycin topical, Benzaclin, DUAC

What is the most important information I should know about benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical?

Use benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Avoid getting this medication 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 this medicine to sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Although this medicine is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to cause serious side effects. You may not be able to use this medication if you have inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis), ulcerative colitis, or if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical 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.

What is benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical?

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oil and dirt to be washed away.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic. Clindamycin topical prevents bacteria from growing on the skin.

Together the combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical are used to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin (Cleocin, Clina-Derm, Clindets), or if you have:

Although this medicine is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to cause serious side effects. You may not be able to use this medication if you have:

• inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis);

• ulcerative colitis; or

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

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.