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 that prevents bacteria from growing on the skin.
The combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical are used to treat acne.
Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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 before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell 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 tanning beds. This medication can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
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).
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:
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.
It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin.