Clindoxyl

Generic Name: benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin (Topical application route)

BEN-zoe-il per-OX-ide, klin-da-MYE-sin

Commonly used brand name(s)

In Canada

• Clindoxyl

Chemical Class: Lincosamide

Uses For Clindoxyl

Benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin combination is used to treat acne. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne and by keeping the skin pores clean (tiny openings on the skin).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using Clindoxyl

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin combination in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin combination in geriatric patients.

Pregnancy

	Pregnancy Category	Explanation
All Trimesters	C	Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.

Breast Feeding

Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Erythromycin

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Stomach or bowel problems (e.g., antibiotic-associated colitis, regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis), history of—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

Proper Use of Clindoxyl

It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause your skin to become irritated. You may need to use this medicine for several weeks or months before your skin starts to look better. Applying extra medicine will not make it work faster.

This medicine is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use it on skin areas that have cuts or scrapes. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

To use:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.


• Before applying this medicine, wash the affected area of your skin with water and a mild soap. Rinse well and pat dry.


• Apply a small amount of the medicine to each affected area of the skin (e.g., forehead, chin, cheeks, chest, shoulders), and gently rub it in.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For topical dosage form (gel):
  
  • For acne:
    
    • Adults, teenagers, and children 12 years of age and older—Apply a thin layer to the affected area(s) of the skin two times a day (morning and evening).
    
    
    • Children below 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    
    
  
  

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Throw away any unused medicine after 3 months.

Precautions While Using Clindoxyl

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.

This medicine may cause diarrhea, and in some cases it can be severe. Do not take any medicine to treat diarrhea without first checking with your doctor. Diarrhea medicines may make the diarrhea worse or make it last longer. If you have any questions about this or if mild diarrhea continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. You may need to wear protective clothing, such as a hat.

If you develop severe swelling, shortness of breath, or any allergic reaction to this medicine, stop using the medicine and check with your doctor right away.

Do not use any other medicines on the treated skin areas without asking your doctor. Avoid using any skin care products that can dry or irritate your skin. These include skin peeling agents.

Do not apply the medicine to your hair or to any colored fabric. This medicine may cause bleaching.

Clindoxyl Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Dry skin

Less common

• Burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site


• flushing or redness of the skin


• peeling


• sunburn


• unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

• Cough


• difficulty with swallowing


• dizziness


• fast heartbeat


• hives


• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue


• shortness of breath


• skin rash


• tightness in the chest


• unusual tiredness or weakness


• wheezing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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More Clindoxyl resources

• Clindoxyl Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Clindoxyl Drug Interactions
• Clindoxyl Support Group
• 53 Reviews for Clindoxyl - Add your own review/rating

Compare Clindoxyl with other medications

• Acne