Benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin

Benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin

Combination of
Benzoyl peroxide	Antiseptic
Clindamycin phosphate	Antibiotic
Clinical data
MedlinePlus	a603021
Licence data	US FDA:link
Pregnancy category	C
Legal status	℞ (Prescription only)
Routes of administration	Topical
Identifiers
ATC code	D10AE51 (WHO)
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The drug combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin is a topical gel used for the treatment of acne. It is sold under the trade names Duac (by Stiefel Labs) and BenzaClin (by Sanofi Aventis). Both contain 1% clindamycin phosphate and 5% benzoyl peroxide and are prescription drugs.

Side effects

Common side effects are peeling, itching, redness, dryness, burning, and dermatitis. Prolonged exposure to natural or artificial sun light (UV rays) is not recommended because the gel can cause photosensitivity. Also, benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching of hair, clothing, et cetera, and topical clindamycin may rarely cause diarrhea or colitis.

Administration

Apply a thin layer to the affected areas. Be sure to wash the affected areas gently with a non-medicated soap, and rinse with warm water before applying to affected areas.

Mode of action

Its activity is derived from the combined anti-bacterial action of clindamycin and from the comedolytic and anti-bacterial actions of benzoyl peroxide. Both ingredients have been shown to reduce the number of acne lesions with statistical significance.

Clindamycin phosphate is a water-soluble ester of the semi-synthetic antibiotic, clindamycin, which is synthesized from lincomycin. It prevents the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria from replicating by preventing it from making vital proteins. Benzoyl peroxide also kills P. acnes, but since it is an oxidizer, not an antibiotic, it is not subject to P. acnes resistance like clindamycin is. Also, benzoyl peroxide dries out the area, preventing clogged pores and is a keratolytic agent.

External links

• Prescribing Information for Duac Gel
• Official website of BenzaClin