Benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin (On the skin)

Introduction:

Benzoyl Peroxide (BEN-zoe-il per-OX-ide), Clindamycin (klin-da-MYE-sin)

Treats severe acne.

Brand Name(s):

Benzaclin, Duac CS, Acanya

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or lincomycin. You should not use this medicine if you have an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis. You should not use this medicine if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotics.

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Before applying this medicine, wash your skin gently with warm water and pat it dry.
  • Apply a thin layer to the affected area. Rub it in gently.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any other medicine for the treatment of acne.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using erythromycin (such as Ery-tab® or E-Mycin®).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any other topical skin treatments such as skin peeling agents.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
  • If you have severe diarrhea, ask your doctor before taking any medicine to stop the diarrhea.
  • Do not use this medicine for a skin problem that has not been checked by your doctor.
  • This medicine can cause irritation. Do not get this medicine into your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have any fungal infection of your skin while using this medicine.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
  • Do not apply the medicine to your hair or to any colored fabric. This medicine may cause bleaching.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dry skin, rash, itching or peeling skin.
  • Irritation of your skin where the medicine is applied.
  • Sunburn.
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