Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide

This combination medication is used to treat folliculitis, as well as certain types of skin conditions, such as acne. Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide helps to decrease inflammation and pus-filled lesions caused by folliculitis. The combination antibiotic uses Clindamycin to stop the growth of acne-causing bacteria, while Benzoyl peroxide further stalls bacterial growth, as well as reduces oil production in the skin, helping to keep your pores open.

• Read the Patient Information Leaflet (if available) before you start using Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, request a callback from your medical provider.
• Before using this medication, wash the affected skin gently with a mild, non-medicated cleanser. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Apply a thin layer of this medication to the affected areas of the skin as directed by your medical provider. Be careful to avoid your eyes, mouth, inside your nose, and any areas of broken skin. Wash your hands after each use.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.
• Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
• It may take up to 6 weeks to see a decrease in folliculitis and up to 12 weeks to see the full benefit of the medication.
• Request a callback from your medical provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• If your medical provider has directed you to use this medication, remember that your medical provider has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Although uncommon, mild burning or stinging after using this medication may occur. Stop taking this medication and request a callback from your medical provider right away if you experience any of these serious side effects: diarrhea that doesn't stop, abdominal or stomach pain/cramping, blood/mucus in your stool. If you have these symptoms, do not use anti-diarrhea or opioid products because they may make symptoms worse.
• Dry skin, redness, burning, itching, or skin peeling may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your medical provider.
• You can use skin moisturizing creams or lotions to help reduce many of the side effects listed above.
• This medication may be absorbed into your bloodstream and, in rare cases, cause a severe intestinal condition due to a bacteria called C. difficile. This condition may occur during treatment or weeks to months after treatment has stopped.

• A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash,
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat),
  • severe dizziness,
  • trouble breathing.

• This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, request a callback for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider if you are allergic to Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin, Lincomycin or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Request a callback from your medical provider for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your medical provider your medical history, especially of: intestinal disorders (such as regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-associated colitis, C. difficile-associated diarrhea).
• This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
• Request a callback from your medical provider right away if you get sunburnt or have skin blisters/redness.
• This medication may bleach hair or colored fabric. Avoid contact with hair or clothing.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your medical provider.
• It is unknown if Clindamycin-Benzoyl Peroxide passes into breast milk. If using this medication on the breast, avoid using ointment forms of this medication. Consult an OB-GYN before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your medical provider. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicines without a medical provider's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other acne medications used on the skin (such as Dapsone).

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If symptoms from taking this medication are less severe, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.

Do not share this medication with others. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another infection unless your medical provider tells you to.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand.
• This medication is good for a limited time after you receive it. Discard any unused medication by the expiration date your pharmacist provides.
• Keep all medications away from children and pets.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
• Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed by consulting your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.