BenzaClin

Generic name: benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical

Brand names: Acanya, BenzaClin, BenzaClin with pump, Duac, Z-Clinz 10, Z-Clinz 5
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is BenzaClin?

BenzaClin is a prescription medicine that is used to treat pimples (acne).

Description

BenzaClin® Topical Gel contains clindamycin phosphate (7(S)-chloro-7-deoxylincomycin-2-phosphate). Clindamycin phosphate is a water soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic produced by a 7(S)-chloro-substitution of the 7(R)-hydroxyl group of the parent antibiotic lincomycin.

Chemically clindamycin phosphate is C18H34CIN2O8PS. The structural formula for clindamycin is represented below:

Clindamycin phosphate has a molecular weight of 504.97 and its chemical name is Methyl 7-chloro-6,7,8-trideoxy-6-(1-methyl-trans-4-propyl-L-2-pyrrolidinecarboxamido)-1-thio-L-threo-alpha-D-galacto-octopyranoside 2-(dihydrogen phosphate).

BenzaClin Topical Gel also contains benzoyl peroxide for topical use.
Chemically benzoyl peroxide is C14H10O4. It has the following structural formula:

Benzoyl peroxide has a molecular weight of 242.23.

Each gram of BenzaClin Topical Gel contains, as dispensed, 10 mg (1%) clindamycin as phosphate and 50 mg (5%) benzoyl peroxide in a base of carbomer, sodium hydroxide, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, and purified water.

Before taking BenzaClin, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to BenzaClin; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you have ever had any of these health problems: Severe diarrhea called antibiotic-associated colitis, regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
If you are using any products that have erythromycin.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take BenzaClin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take BenzaClin?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take BenzaClin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If BenzaClin is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
Certain acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can rarely cause very bad and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions or very bad irritation. Before first use, you may need to follow certain steps to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. Use BenzaClin as you were told by the doctor or read the package label. Talk with the doctor.
Use care when putting on. It may bleach hair or colored fabric.
Use other pimple (acne) drugs with care. More skin irritation may happen.
Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
Do not use longer than you have been told. A second infection may happen.
Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and a certain bowel problem (colitis) have happened with BenzaClin. Very bad colitis may lead to death. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain or cramps, very bad or watery diarrhea, or bloody diarrhea. Do not try to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using BenzaClin while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is BenzaClin best taken?

Use BenzaClin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

Do not take BenzaClin by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
If you get BenzaClin in any of these areas, rinse well with water.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
Do not put on cuts, scrapes, or damaged skin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.

What are the side effects of BenzaClin that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Very bad irritation where BenzaClin is used.

What are some other side effects of BenzaClin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Irritation where BenzaClin is used.
Dry skin.
Itching.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out BenzaClin?

Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Throw away any part not used after 3 months.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.