Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin
About Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin
Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin is a topical prescription medication used to treat acne vulgaris. Its medical purpose is to clear existing skin blemishes, blackheads, and red, inflamed pimples. By targeting the primary causes of acne, it helps you achieve clearer and smoother skin.
To see the best results, you must apply Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin consistently, usually once daily in the evening or as directed by your doctor. You should apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin after washing your face with a mild cleanser. Combining this treatment with a gentle skincare routine and avoiding the temptation to squeeze or pop pimples can greatly improve your treatment outcomes.
Some people may experience mild, common side effects such as dry, peeling, or slightly red skin. While these symptoms are usually manageable, you should talk to your doctor right away if you develop severe burning, intense swelling, or severe, watery diarrhoea.
Do not use this medication if you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or severe diarrhoea caused by previous antibiotic use. Talk to your doctor before using Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin if you have highly sensitive skin or eczema, as this treatment can cause further irritation.
Tell your healthcare provider about other skin treatments you use, as combining this medicine with other peeling agents can cause extreme skin dryness. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure this medicine is safe for you to use.
Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin
Medicinal Benefits
Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin brings noticeable relief to your skin by visibly reducing red, painful, and swollen acne bumps. By tackling the bacteria and inflammation directly, it helps existing blemishes heal much faster, allowing your skin to recover its natural texture.
With regular use, this medicine prevents the buildup of dead skin cells and oils in your pores. This continuous clearing action helps prevent future breakouts, giving you smoother, clearer skin and reducing the likelihood of long-term acne scarring.
Directions for Use
- Recommended to apply Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin twice a day, in the morning and evening or as advised by your doctor.
- Apply a small amount of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin as a thin layer and gently rub on the clean and dry affected area of the skin.
- Wash the affected area with warm water.
- Avoid contact with eyes as it may cause irritation. In case Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin comes in contact with eyes accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.
Storage
Side Effects of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Dry skin
- Skin peeling or flaking
- Mild redness or itching
- Temporary burning or stinging sensation
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away)
- Severe skin irritation, intense burning, or painful swelling of the treated area
- Severe abdominal cramps, watery diarrhea, or bloody stools (even if this happens weeks after you stop using the medicine)
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a skin rash, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin can bleach coloured fabrics, including your towels, clothing, pillowcases, and sheets. Avoid contact with these materials, and let the medicine dry completely on your skin before dressing.
- Keep this medication away from your eyes, mouth, nose, and any areas of broken or sunburnt skin. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the area immediately with plenty of cool water.
- This medicine increases your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds or prolonged sun exposure.
- Avoid using other drying skin products, such as harsh soaps, alcohol-containing toners, or topical treatments containing sulphur or salicylic acid, unless your doctor tells you to.
- Monitor your bowel habits closely; if you develop severe, watery diarrhoea, stop using the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
- Other topical acne medicines: Using this medicine alongside products containing tretinoin, tazarotene, or dapsone can cause temporary skin discolouration (yellow or orange) or severe skin peeling.
- Erythromycin-containing products: Avoid using this medicine with other topical antibiotics containing erythromycin, as they can cancel each other's effects.
- Abrasive or peeling agents: Soaps, cleansers, or cosmetics containing alcohol, salicylic acid, sulphur, or resorcinol can cause extreme skin irritation and dryness when used at the same time.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionInteraction of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin is prescribed to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin is excreted in human milk. Therefore, Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. However, do not apply Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin on the chest area to avoid the contact of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin with the baby.
Driving
safe if prescribedBenzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin in patients with Liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
safe if prescribedIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeBenzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin is not recommended for children below 12 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your face no more than twice a day with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. Excessive washing can irritate your skin and make your acne worse.
- Use only skincare products, cosmetics, and sunscreens that are labelled as 'non-comedogenic' or 'oil-free', meaning they are formulated not to clog your pores.
- Avoid squeezing, picking, or popping your pimples, as this can push inflammation deeper into the skin and lead to permanent scarring.
- Limit your intake of highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-dairy products, as some people find these can trigger or worsen acne breakouts.
- Keep your hair clean and off your face, and regularly wash your pillowcases to prevent oil and bacteria from transferring back to your skin.
Special Advise
Do not squeeze, pop or pick spots as it may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.
You are advised to consult a dermatologist if acne persists or worsens after using Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin for 1 month.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acne: It is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles are blocked with dead skin cells and oil, causing pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Acne affects people of all ages but is most common among teenagers. The symptoms of acne include pus-filled pimples, uninflamed (not swollen) blackheads, red, large, and tender bumps. The treatment for acne includes certain creams, cleansers, and antibiotics.
FAQs
Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin is used to treat acne (pimples) and kill bacteria, causing acne.
Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin contains Clindamycin and Benzoyl peroxide. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that works by inhibiting the production of essential proteins that are necessary for bacteria to grow, multiply and increase in numbers. Thereby, stops or slows down the growth of bacteria and clears acne. Benzoyl peroxide is a keratolytic agent that works by breaking down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure) and removes dead skin cells and softens skin. Thereby, helps in reducing blackheads and whiteheads. Additionally, Benzoyl peroxide possesses antibacterial properties and kills bacteria that causes acne and reduces inflamed acne spots.
Yes, Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin may cause skin irritation, redness or peeling in some people. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, stop using Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin and consult a doctor.
You are not recommended to use Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin with dapsone (antibiotic) at the same time as it may cause temporary change in colour of facial hair (orange or yellow colour). However, please consult a doctor before using Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin with any other medicines.
Yes, Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin may cause dryness of the skin. You can use a fragrance-free, oil-free, hypoallergic moisturizer while using Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin to prevent dry skin. However, do not apply Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin and moisturizer at the same time as it may reduce the effectiveness of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin. Please consult a doctor before using other products with Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin.
It might take 2-3 weeks for Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin to show its effects. It is advised to continue using Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin for the suggested duration to help treat acne effectively.
Avoid contact with eyes as it may cause irritation. In case Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin comes in contact with eyes accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. If you still have a problem with your eye or notice any vision problems, consult your doctor immediately.
Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin can be used by a 14-year-old if advised by the doctor. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns.
Wash the affected area with warm water. Apply a small amount of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin as a thin layer and gently rub on the clean and dry affected area of the skin in the evening.
Do not apply Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin in large amounts or use it for a longer time than suggested as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects.
Store Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin at room temperature, in a dry place. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin can be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if advised by the doctor. Please consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin may cause side effects like skin peeling, dry skin, pain, redness, itching, or burning sensation at the site of application. Most of these side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Yes, you can apply makeup over Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin once the medication has dried completely on your skin. It is best to choose oil-free, non-comedogenic cosmetics so you do not clog your pores. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for product recommendations.
Yes, this medication has bleaching properties. It can lighten your hair and bleach coloured fabrics like towels, pillowcases, and shirts. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying it, and let the medication dry completely before letting it touch any fabric.
Mild dryness and peeling are very common during the first few weeks of using Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin. You can help manage this by applying a gentle, oil-free moisturiser daily. If the irritation becomes severe, painful, or very red, stop using it and talk to your doctor.
This medication makes your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, increasing your risk of sunburn. You should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid tanning beds. Talk to your doctor if you experience a sunburn.
No, Benzoyl Peroxide+clindamycin should be applied as a thin layer to the entire affected area of your face or body, not just as a spot treatment on individual pimples. This helps treat current acne and prevents new breakouts from forming in surrounding skin. Talk to your doctor for specific application advice.
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled application, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not apply extra gel to make up for a missed dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
Author Details
