clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide (BenzaClin, Acanya, Duac, Onexton)
Classes: Acne Agents, Topical Combos
Dosing and uses of BenzaClin, Acanya (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide
topical geL
- 1%/5% (BenzaClin)
- 1.2%/2.5% (Acanya)
- 1.2%/3.75% (Onexton)
- 1.2%/5% (Duac)
Acne Vulgaris
BenzaClin: Apply topically q12hr to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
DUAC: Apply once daily in the evening to affected areas after the skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
Acanya, Onexton: Apply pea-sized amount qDay to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
Limitation of use
- DUAC Gel has not been demonstrated to have any additional benefit when compared with benzoyl peroxide alone in the same vehicle when used for the treatment of non-inflammatory acne
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
clindamycin/ benzoyl peroxide
topical geL
- 1%/5% (BenzaClin)
- 1.2%/2.5% (Acanya)
- 1.2%/3.75% (Onexton)
- 1.2%/5% (Duac)
Acne Vulgaris
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥12 years
- BenzaClin: Apply topically qHS to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
- DUAC: Apply once daily in the evening to affected areas after the skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
- Acanya, Onexton: Apply pea-sized amount qDay to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
- Limitation of use
- DUAC Gel has not been demonstrated to have any additional benefit when compared with benzoyl peroxide alone in the same vehicle when used for the treatment of non-inflammatory acne
BenzaClin, Acanya (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Application site pain
Application site exfoliation
Application site irritation
Erythema
Burning
Pruritus
Sunburn
Scaling
Dryness
Diarrhea
Colitis
Peeling
Postmarketing reports
Anaphylaxis, as well as allergic reactions leading to hospitalization
Urticaria, application site reactions, including discoloration
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to clindamycin, benozyl peroxide, lincomycin or any of the drug components
History of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis or antibiotic-associated colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis)
Cautions
Systemic absorption of clindamycin has been demonstrated following topical use; discontinue immediately if significant diarrhea occurs and consider large bowel endoscopy
May cause irritation, especially when used with concomitant topical acne therapy including peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents
Should be used with caution in atopic individuals
For external use only; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
Minimize sun expsoure following application
May have bleaching effects on hair or colored fabric
Bacterial of fungal superinfection may result from prolonged use
Concomitant topical acne therapy may result in cumulative irritation, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents; if this occurs, discontinue and seek medical advice
Do not use clindamycin and erythromycin containing products together
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown/not recommended
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of BenzaClin, Acanya (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide)
Mechanism of action
Clindamycin: Antibacterial agent that binds to the 50S ribosomal subunits of susceptible bacteria and prevents elongation of peptide chains by interfering with peptidyl transfer, thereby suppressing protein synthesis; reduces surface fatty acids on skin; exact mechanism of action in treating acne unknown
Benzoyl peroxide: Elicits action by releasing active oxygen; effective in vitro against Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobe found in sebaceous follicles and comedones; also elicits a keratolytic and desquamative effect which may also contribute to its efficacy