BenzaClin Gel contains a combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. 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.
BenzaClin is used to treat acne.
BenzaClin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Use BenzaClin Gel 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 BenzaClin for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Avoid getting BenzaClin 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 BenzaClin is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to cause serious side effects. You may not be able to use BenzaClin if you have inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis), ulcerative colitis, or if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. BenzaClin can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Before using BenzaClin
Do not use BenzaClin 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 BenzaClin if you have:
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 BenzaClin. 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.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use BenzaClin?
Use BenzaClin 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.
Wash your hands before and after applying BenzaClin.
Wash your face with a mild cleanser (not soap) and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
BenzaClin is usually applied twice daily, in the morning and evening.
Avoid getting BenzaClin 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.
Store Benzaclin at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after 3 months.
Throw away any unused BenzaClin gel after 3 months.
What happens if I miss a dose?
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.
What happens if I overdose?
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?
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.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. BenzaClin 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 BenzaClin, 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.
BenzaClin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Benzaclin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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severe redness, burning, stinging, or peeling of treated skin areas; or
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diarrhea that is watery or bloody.
Less serious Benzaclin side effects may include:
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mild burning or stinging;
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itching or tingly feeling;
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dryness or peeling of treated skin; or
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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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect BenzaClin?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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erythromycin topical (Akne-Mycin, Emcin Clear, Eryderm, Erygel, Erythra-Derm, Ery-Sol, and others); or
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erythromycin taken by mouth (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole, and others).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
