benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical
What is the most important information I should know about benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical?
Use benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
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Avoid getting this medication 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.
Although this medicine is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to cause serious side effects. You may not be able to use this medication if you have inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis), ulcerative colitis, or if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.
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Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. This medication can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical?
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Do not use this medication if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin (Cleocin, Clina-Derm, Clindets). |
Although this medicine is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to cause serious side effects. You may not be able to use this medication if you have:
- inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis);
- ulcerative colitis; or
- if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.
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FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. |
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It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. |
How should I use benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical?
Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects.
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Wash your hands before and after applying this medication. |
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.
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Avoid getting this medication 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.
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Store 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. |
Throw away any unused BenzaClin gel after 3 months.
Throw away any unused Acanya or Duac gel after 2 months.
What happens if I overdose?
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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.
What should I avoid while taking benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical?
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or has blood in it, call your doctor. Do not use any medicine to stop the diarrhea unless your doctor has told you to.
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Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. This medication can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. |
Avoid using sunscreen containing PABA on the same skin treated with benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical, or skin discoloration may occur.
Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair or fabrics. Do not let this medicine come into contact with clothing, hair, or colored towels or bed linens.
What are the possible side effects of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical?
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Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. |
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Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: |
- severe redness, burning, stinging, or peeling of treated skin areas; or
- diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Less serious side effects may include:
- mild burning or stinging;
- itching or tingly feeling;
- dryness or peeling of treated skin; or
- redness or other irritation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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