Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 23, 2024

Warnings

Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzaclin) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Clindamycin benzoyl peroxide gel can cause or worsen health problems in some people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other acne treatments if you are at increased risk of complications from clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel use.

SEVERE COLITIS: Clindamycin taken by mouth or by injection has been linked to severe colitis, including pseudomembranous colitis (inflammation of the large intestine), which can be fatal. Use of topical clindamycin can result in absorption of the drug from the skin surface that can be of clinical significance. Tell your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop severe stomach pain or cramps, severe diarrhea, or blood or mucus in your stool. These could be signs and symptoms of antibiotic-associated colitis. You will need to stop using the topical gel if this happens. In severe cases, you may require treatment in the hospital for replacement of fluids and electrolytes and antibacterial drugs that are effective against Clostridium difficile, the bacteria that causes antibiotic-associated colitis.
SKINCARE: Stop using the gel and tell your doctor if application of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide causes severe skin irritation (severe swelling, redness, dryness). Avoid unnecessary prolonged exposure to sunlight and the use of sun lamps or tanning beds. Protect your skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Talk to your doctor about using an appropriate moisturizer to prevent dry skin.
BLEACHING: This medicine can bleach hair and colored fabric. Avoid contact with hair and clothing until the medicine has dried completely.

Precautions Before Starting Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzaclin)

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, any of the active or inactive ingredients in clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel, or any other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.

Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, herbal products, and topical skin products. This can help avoid possible interactions between your medications.

Clindamycin benzoyl peroxide gel may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have a history of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis, or stomach problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, plan to get pregnant soon, or are breast-feeding. There are no well controlled trials in pregnant women and we do not know how this medicine could affect nursing infants on breast milk.

Precautions During Use of Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzaclin)

Keep all your medical and lab appointments during acne treatment with clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. Tell your doctor if this medication causes severely irritated skin.

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and the use of tanning beds and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and sunblock with at least SPF 15.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide.

Clindamycin and Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzaclin) Drug Interactions

Certain other drugs can affect how clindamycin benzoyl peroxide gel works. Possible interactions between clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide and your other medicines can increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Some of the medications that can interact with this topical treatment include:

Erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Erythrocin)
Other topical treatments for acne

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, OTC medications, dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and topical medications. Also, tell your healthcare professional if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription and over-the-counter medications.

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