Clinzol D Gel

The combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide are in a class of medications called topical antibiotics. The combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that cause acne.

The combination of clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide comes as a gel to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day, in the morning and evening. To help you remember to use clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel, apply it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

To use the gel, follow these steps:

1. Wash the affected area with warm water and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Use you fingertips to spread a thin layer of gel evenly over the affected area. Avoid getting the gel in your eyes, nose, mouth, or other body openings. If you do get the gel in your eyes, wash with warm water.
3. Look in the mirror. If you see a white film on your skin, you have used too much medication.
4. Wash your hands.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clindamycin (Cleocin, Clinda-Derm, C/D/S), benzoyl peroxide (Benzac, Desquam, PanOxyl, Triaz, others), lincomycin, or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking while using clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had stomach problems, ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum), or severe diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide, call your doctor.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a moisturizer to keep your skin soft during treatment.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry skin
• itching
• peeling skin
• red skin

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• severe diarrhea
• blood or mucus in the stool
• severe stomach pain or cramps
• changes in your skin or nails that may be signs of infection with a fungus

Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.