clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide combination pack-topical, Z-Clinz

BRAND NAME(S): Z-Clinz

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

USES: This combination medication is used to treat moderate acne. It contains clindamycin which is an antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide. The two medications work together to remove excess oils and decrease the amount of bacteria that causes acne.

HOW TO USE: Use this medication topically, usually twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use it more often than prescribed. You may need to use it less often if your skin becomes too dry at the beginning of your treatment. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details. Before applying this medication, gently wash your face, rinse it, and pat the affected skin area dry. Avoid getting this medication into your eyes, nose, mouth, and broken or inflamed skin since it may cause irritation. If this occurs, rinse the area well with water. There are two different medications in this product. Apply the clindamycin solution first and then the benzoyl peroxide gel as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Wash your hands after each use. Follow the instructions provided with these medications. If you have any questions, ask your pharmacist. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. It may take a few weeks before you notice significant improvement. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dryness, redness, mild irritation/itching of the skin may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: severe burning/skin peeling. Avoid contact of this medication with hair or colored clothing because it may cause bleaching. The clindamycin in this medication may be absorbed by the skin into your body and may rarely cause a severe intestinal condition (pseudomembranous colitis) due to a resistant bacteria. This condition may occur while receiving therapy or even weeks after treatment has stopped. Do not use anti-diarrhea products or narcotic pain medications if you have the following symptoms because these products may make them worse. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, or blood/mucus in your stool. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: rash, severe itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, lincomycin; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain intestinal conditions (e.g., enteritis, ulcerative colitis, antibiotic associated colitis). Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, or sunlamps to prevent excessive irritation or drying of the skin. Use of other skin products that contain alcohol, peeling, or abrasive ingredients (e.g., tretinoin, salicylic acid) may increase skin irritation or dryness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on how to minimize this side effect. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Based on information from related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medication may be harmful if swallowed.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you should miss a dose of this medication, apply it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

QUESTION

Acne is the result of an allergy. See Answer