clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel, Benzaclin, Acanya, Duac

1. Adult Skin Problems Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Skin Conditions Quiz
3. Gallery of Skin Problems Pictures

Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

View Full Profile

Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

View Full Profile

GENERIC NAME: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel

BRAND NAME: Benzaclin, Acanya, Duac

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is a combination of an antibiotic, clindamycin, and benzoyl peroxide, another drug that has antibacterial effects. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is used topically (applied to the skin) for the treatment of pimples (acne). Both agents are active against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium which has been associated with acne. Clindamycin probably reduces acne by penetrating into the skin and killing bacteria that contribute to the formation of acne. Benzoyl peroxide works through several mechanisms. It kills the bacteria and promotes the growth of new skin cells. It also dries the skin. Increased cell growth leads to replacement of the pimples with new skin. Combining clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide is more convenient than using them separately. The FDA approved clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide in December 2000.

GENERIC: Yes

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Gel (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide): 1%/ 5% or 1.2%/2.5%

STORAGE: The gel can be stored at room temperature, up to 25 C (77 F), for up to three months after it is dispensed by the pharmacy. Unused gel should be discarded after three months.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is used for the treatment of acne.

DOSING: Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide should be applied to acne lesions at bedtime (Duac), once daily (Acanya), twice daily, morning and evening (Benzaclin), or as directed by a physician. Affected areas should be washed, rinsed with warm water, and patted dry before applying clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug interactions with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide.

PREGNANCY: Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide has not been tested in pregnant women.

NURSING MOTHERS: Clindamycin/benzoyl Peroxide has not been tested among nursing women. Orally ingested clindamycin is secreted into breast milk and may cause side effects in the infant. Mothers should decide whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effect of clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide are dry skin, application site skin reactions, itching, peeling, redness, and sunburn. Allergic reactions may also occur. Diarrhea, sometimes bloody, has been reported with topical clindamycin. This reaction, although quite rare, can be dangerous. Discontinuation is recommended if marked diarrhea develops.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.