benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate at a glance
Medicine class
Combined topical antibiotic and anti-acne preparation
Licensed use
Mild to moderate acne vulgaris, particularly inflammatory lesions
Form
Prescription-only gel for use on the skin
Practical point
May bleach hair, clothing, towels, bedding, furniture or carpets
What is benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate used for?
Licensed for mild to moderate acne vulgaris, particularly inflammatory lesions, in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over.
Inflamed spots such as papules and pustules
Acne that includes blackheads or whiteheads
How does benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate work?
Clindamycin limits growth of Cutibacterium acnes, a bacterium involved in inflamed acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-associated bacteria and has a mild peeling action that helps reduce blocked follicles, blackheads and whiteheads.
benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 10 mg/g + 30 mg/g, 10 mg/g + 50 mg/g
How to take benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate
For skin use only. Follow the prescriber's directions and the supplied leaflet.
Remove make-up, wash affected skin gently with a mild cleanser and dry fully.
Apply across the acne-affected area rather than only individual spots.
Wash your hands afterwards.
Avoid eyes, lips, mouth, other mucous membranes and broken or irritated skin. Rinse thoroughly with water after accidental contact.
Allow the gel to dry before applying non-greasy make-up.
Minimise strong sunlight and avoid sunlamps. Use suitable sunscreen and protective clothing when exposure cannot be avoided.
Keep the gel away from hair and coloured materials because it can bleach them.
benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dryness
- Redness
- Peeling
- Itching
- Burning or stinging at the application site
- Dermatitis or increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Headache
Get urgent medical advice
- Prolonged, significant or bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain or cramps
- Severe local irritation
- Skin swelling, blistering or hives
- Facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing
benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate in pregnancy
Evidence for the combined gel during pregnancy is limited, although skin absorption is low. Its product information advises prescribing only after assessing expected benefit and possible risk. Tell the prescriber if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate while breastfeeding
The combined gel has not been specifically studied during breastfeeding. Use requires benefit–risk assessment. Do not apply it to the breast, prevent infant contact with treated skin and wash your hands after application.
benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other medicines and skincare products used on the same area. Formal interaction studies with the combined gel have not been performed.
Topical erythromycin
Do not combine because erythromycin may oppose clindamycin's antibacterial action.
Tretinoin, topical isotretinoin or tazarotene
Using them at the same time may reduce retinoid activity and increase irritation.
Abrasive cleansers, peeling agents, alcohol-based products and strongly drying cosmetics
Use on the same area can cause cumulative, sometimes severe, irritation.
Common questions about benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin phosphate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it bleach clothes or hair?
Yes. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair and coloured fabrics. Let the gel dry and avoid contact with furnishings and carpets.
Can I use moisturiser?
A non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturiser may help dryness or peeling. Avoid abrasive or strongly drying products that could worsen irritation.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.