Benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin (On the skin)

Benzoyl Peroxide (BEN-zoe-il per-OX-ide), Clindamycin (klin-da-MYE-sin)

Treats acne.

Brand Name(s):

Acanya, Benzaclin, Neuac, Onexton

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, or lincomycin, or if you have a history of stomach or bowel problems (including regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or severe diarrhea caused by antibiotics).

How to Use This Medicine:

Gel/Jelly

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • Use this medicine only on your skin. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, corners of your nose, lips, mouth, or vagina. Do not use on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, or sunburn. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine. Before you apply this medicine, wash your skin gently with warm water and pat it dry.
  • Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area. Rub it in gently.
  • Do not apply this medicine in your hair or on colored fabric. It may bleach your hair or colored fabric.
  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
  • Missed dose: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Throw away any unused Duac® gel after 60 days, or Acanya® gel or Onexton™ gel after 10 weeks.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some medicines can affect how benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin works. Tell your doctor if you are using erythromycin.
  • Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin. Avoid using any skin care products that can dry or irritate your skin (including skin peeling agents).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • This medicine can cause diarrhea. Call your doctor if the diarrhea becomes severe, does not stop, or is bloody. Do not take any medicine to stop diarrhea until you have talked to your doctor. Diarrhea can occur 2 months or more after you stop taking this medicine.
  • Do not use this medicine to treat a skin problem your doctor has not examined.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Severe diarrhea or diarrhea that contains blood, stomach pain or cramps

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Pain, burning, changes in color, dryness, itching, peeling, redness, scaling, stinging, or swelling of the skin where the medicine is applied

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

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