Pronunciation(klin da MYE sin & BEN zoe il peer OKS ide)
U.S. Brand NamesBenzaClin®; Duac™
SynonymsBenzoyl Peroxide and Clindamycin; Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide
Generic AvailableNo
UseTopical treatment of acne vulgaris
Pregnancy Risk FactorC
Pregnancy ImplicationsAnimal reproduction studies have not been conducted; use during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
LactationExcretion in breast milk unknown/not recommended
ContraindicationsHypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, lincomycin, clindamycin, or any component of the formulation; history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis; concurrent use of erythromycin and clindamycin
Warnings/PrecautionsDiarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with topical clindamycin. Stop the drug if significant diarrhea occurs. Use concomitant topical acne therapy with caution; cumulative irritancy may occur. Bacterial overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms may occur. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; not for ophthalmic use. May bleach hair or colored fabric. Safety and efficacy in children <12 years of age have not been established.
Adverse ReactionsFrequency not defined.Dermatologic: Dry skin, pruritus, peeling, erythema, sunburn, redness, burning Postmarketing and/or case reports: Colitis, diarrhea, pseudomembranous colitis
Drug InteractionsErythromycin: Concurrent use may lead to antagonism of antimicrobial effects of clindamycin. Tretinoin: Increases adverse reactions with concurrent use.
StabilityBenzaClin®: Store at room temperature of 25°C (77°F); do not freeze. Reconstitute clindamycin with purified water; shake well. Add solution to benzoyl peroxide gel and stir until homogenous in appearance. Discard unused portion after 2 months. Duac™: Prior to dispensing, store in refrigerator, between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Once dispensed, may be stored by patient at room temperature of up to 25°C (77°F) if used within 60 days. Do not freeze.
Mechanism of ActionClindamycin and benzoyl peroxide have activity against Propionibacterium acnesin vitro. This organism has been associated with acne vulgaris. Benzoyl peroxide releases free-radical oxygen which oxidizes bacterial proteins in the sebaceous follicles decreasing the number of anaerobic bacteria and decreasing irritating-type free fatty acids. Clindamycin reversibly binds to 50S ribosomal subunits preventing peptide bond formation thus inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis; bacteriostatic or bactericidal depending on drug concentration, infection site, and organism.
Pharmacodynamics/KineticsSee individual agents.Absorption: Benzoyl peroxide: <2% systemically absorbed Metabolism: Benzoyl peroxide: Converted to benzoic acid in the skin
DosageTopical: Children 12 years and Adults: Apply to affected areas after skin has been cleansed and dried BenzaClin®: Acne: Apply twice daily (morning and evening) Duac™: Inflammatory acne: Apply once daily in the evening
AdministrationSkin should be clean and dry before applying; avoid applying to inside nose, mouth, eyes, and mucous membranes
Patient EducationGently wash and dry skin before applying. Avoid contact with eyes, inside nose, mouth and other mucous membranes. Do not use other topical acne products unless recommended by prescriber. May bleach hair or colored fabrics. Protect skin from sunburn. Store at room temperature and throw away any unused portions after 2 months of use. Call prescriber if severe diarrhea, dryness, redness or peeling occurs. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. Breast-feeding is not recommended.
Dental Health: Effects on Dental TreatmentNo significant effects or complications reported
Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic PrecautionsNo information available to require special precautions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental StatusNone reported
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric TreatmentNone reported
Dosage FormsGel, topical:BenzaClin®: Clindamycin phosphate 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% (25 g, 50 g) Duac™: Clindamycin phosphate 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% (45 g)
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