Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oil and dirt to be washed away.

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing on the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects.

Benzoyl peroxide can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Before you start using this medicine, you may choose to apply a "test dose" to see if you have a reaction. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to 1 or 2 small acne areas every day for 3 days in a row. If there is no reaction, begin using the full prescribed amount on the 4th day.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine.

Wash your face with a mild cleanser (not soap) and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and evening.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or nose (or in the creases of your nose), or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not apply this medicine to sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

If you receive more than one supply of Acanya or Duac gel, store the unopened container in a refrigerator until you are ready to start using it. Do not freeze.

Once in use, store the gel at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label has passed. Duac has an expiration date of 60 days. Acanya has an expiration date of 10 weeks. BenzaClin has an expiration date of 3 months.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms include bloody or watery diarrhea, which may result if you absorb this medicine through your skin by applying too much.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.