Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide 1.2/5% gel is used to treat acne¹ and rosacea.²

Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide are in a class of medications called topical antibiotics, and their combined use can kill the bacteria that causes acne and keep skin pores clean.³

The combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide comes as a gel to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day, in the morning and evening. It is best to apply it at around the same time every day.

Use clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel exactly as directed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not use more or less of it, or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.⁴

To apply the gel:

1. Wash the affected area with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.

2. Use your fingertips to spread a thin layer of gel evenly over the affected area. Avoid getting the gel in your eyes, nose, mouth or other body openings. If you do get the gel in your eyes, wash with warm water.

3. Look in the mirror. If you see a white film on your skin, you have used too much medication.

4. Wash your hands.⁵

Acne treatment may take several weeks or months to see complete results. It is important to check in with your doctor as recommended to make sure the medicine is effective and you should continue using it.⁶

For treatment of rosacea, studies have shown significant improvement within three weeks.⁷

Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Dry skin

• Itching

• Peeling skin

• Red skin

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• Severe diarrhea

• Blood or mucus in the stool

• Severe stomach pain or cramps

• Changes in your skin or nails that may be signs of infection with a fungus

Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.⁸

Yes, tretinoin and clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide 1.2/5% gel may be used together but only when following a doctor’s plan of treatment.⁹

Before using clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to clindamycin (Cleocin, Clinda-Derm, C/D/S), benzoyl peroxide (Benzac, Desquam, PanOxyl, Triaz, others), lincomycin or any other medications.

• What prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking while using clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

• If you have or have ever had stomach problems, ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum) or severe diarrhea caused by antibiotics.

• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, call your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a moisturizer to keep your skin soft during treatment.

Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.¹⁰

If you realize you missed a dose, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and get back to your regular dosing schedule.¹¹

For effective treatment, it is important to not use more or less of clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide 1.2/5%, or to use it more or less often, than prescribed by your doctor.¹²

No, it is only available with a doctor’s prescription.¹³

A three-month supply of clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide 1.2/5% gel is available from RedBox Rx for $60 ($20 per month). Start a low-cost online doctor consult for acne or rosacea with RedBox Rx to determine if it is right for you.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Dispose of any unused medication after 10 weeks.

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers are not child resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location, one up and away from their sight and reach. Learn more at https://www.upandaway.org.¹⁴

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor, and do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

With any treatment, keep a written list of all the prescription and nonprescription (over the counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital, and carry it with you in case of emergencies.¹⁵

• Acanya^® (containing Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin)

• BenzaClin^® (containing Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin)

• Duac^® (containing Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin)¹⁶

We offer a variety of prescription medication options for acne, including:

• Adapalene gel (generic Differin®)

• Tretinoin cream (generic Retin-A®)

• Tretinoin gel (generic Retin-A®)

• Retin-A® Cream

• Tazarotene 0.1% cream (generic Tazorac®)

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Clindamycin phosphate solution (generic Cleocin T®)

• Metronidazole cream (generic MetroCream®)

• Metronidazole gel (generic MetroGel®)

• Spironolactone (generic Aldactone®)

RedBox RX offers the following FDA-approved prescription treatment options for rosacea:

• Azelaic Acid 15% Gel (Generic Finacea®)

• Doxycycline (Generic Vibramycin®)

• Clindamycin Topical Solution (Generic Cleocin T®)

• Metronidazole Cream (Generic MetroCream®)

• Metronidazole Gel (Generic MetroGel®)

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2. National Library of Medicine

3. Mayo Clinic

4. MedlinePlus

5. MedlinePlus

6. Mayo Clinic

7. MedlinePlus

8. National Library of Medicine

9. National Library of Medicine

10. MedlinePlus

11. Mayo Clinic

12. MedlinePlus

13. Mayo Clinic

14. MedlinePlus

15. MedlinePlus

16. MedlinePlus