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clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel, Benzaclin

GENERIC NAME: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel

BRAND NAME: Benzaclin

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Benzaclin is a combination of an antibiotic, clindamycin, and benzoyl peroxide, another drug that has antibacterial effects. Benzaclin is used topically (applied to the skin) for the treatment of acne.

GENERIC: no

PRESCRIPTION: yes

PREPARATIONS: Gel: clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5%.

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

PRESCRIBED FOR: Benzaclin is used to treat acne.

DOSING: Benzaclin usually is applied to the lesions of acne twice daily.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: There are no known drug interactions with Benzaclin.

PREGNANCY: Although clindamycin can be used safely during pregnancy, Benzaclin has not been tested in pregnant women, and its safety for the fetus is not known.

NURSING MOTHERS: Benzaclin has not been tested among nursing women. Because orally ingested clindamycin is secreted into breast milk and may cause side effects in infants, it is preferable for nursing mothers not to use Benzaclin.

SIDE EFFECTS: In general, Benzaclin is well-tolerated. The most frequently reported side effect is dry skin, which occurs in about 1 of 8 people who use it. Other side effects include skin reactions at the site of application (1 in 30), itching (1 in 50), peeling (1 in 50), redness (1 in 100), and sunburn 1 in 100). 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

Last Editorial Review: 10/1/2001

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