Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: CLINDAMYCIN/BENZOYL PEROXIDE - TOPICAL (klin-duh-MY sin/BEN-zoh-ill per-OX-ide)

BRAND NAME(S): Benzaclin, Duac

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This combination medication is used to treat acne. It works by treating the bacterial infection that causes acne.

HOW TO USE: Before applying each dose, gently wash the affected areas, rinse the areas with warm water, and pat dry. Apply a small amount of this medication to the affected areas of the skin as directed by your doctor. Gently rub this medication into the skin using your fingertips or an applicator. Wash your hands after each use. Avoid any contact of this medication with your eyes or inside your nose or mouth; doing so could cause irritation. Avoid contact of this medication with hair or colored fabric/clothing because it may bleach or cause discoloration.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dry skin, redness/irritation, or itching/burning may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if this serious side effect occurs: skin peeling. This medication may be absorbed into the bloodstream and may very rarely cause severe (in some cases, fatal) intestinal problems (pseudomembranous colitis). Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain, or blood/mucous in your stool. Your doctor will decide if you require other treatment. These symptoms may occur weeks after stopping use of this drug. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have these symptoms. These products may make the symptoms worse. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication. If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have a history of the following medical conditions: certain inflammatory diseases of the intestine/bowel (e.g., enteritis, ulcerative colitis, antibiotic associated colitis). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: any allergies (especially to certain antibiotics such as lincomycin). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information of related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.