Medication reference
Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide
TOPICAL
Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% is a combination of clindamycin phosphate (a lincosamide antibacterial)

Brand names
Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl PeroxideCLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE AND BENZOYL PEROXIDE CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE AND BENZOYL PEROXIDEAcanyaONEXTONClindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxideCLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE AND BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Active ingredients
BENZOYL PEROXIDECLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE
Indications
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% is a combination of clindamycin phosphate (a lincosamide antibacterial) and benzoyl peroxide indicated for the topical treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. ( 1.1 ) Limitation of Use: Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% 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. ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Indication Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% is indicated for the topical treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris in patients 12 years and older. 1.2 Limitations of Use Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% 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.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Before applying clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel, wash your face gently with a mild soap, rinse with warm water, and pat your skin dry. Apply a pea-sized amount of clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel to the face once daily. Avoid the eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or areas of broken skin. Use of clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel beyond 12 weeks has not been evaluated. Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a possible cumulative irritancy effect may occur, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents. Clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel is not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. Apply a pea-sized amount of clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel to the face once daily. ( 2 ) Not for oral, ophthalmic, or intravaginal use. ( 2 )
Warnings
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Colitis: Orally and parenterally administered clindamycin has been associated with severe colitis, which may result in death. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. Clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel should be discontinued if significant diarrhea occurs. ( 5.1 ) Ultraviolet Light and Environmental Exposure: Minimize sun exposure following drug application. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Colitis Systemic absorption of clindamycin has been demonstrated following topical use of clindamycin. Diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis) have been reported with the use of topical and systemic clindamycin. When significant diarrhea occurs, clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel should be discontinued. Severe colitis has occurred following oral and parenteral administration of clindamycin with an onset of up to several weeks following cessation of therapy. Antiperistaltic agents such as opiates and diphenoxylate with atropine may prolong and/or worsen severe colitis. Severe colitis may result in death. Studies indicate toxin(s) produced by Clostridia is one primary cause of antibiotic-associated colitis. The colitis is usually characterized by severe persistent diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps and may be associated with the passage of blood and mucus. Stool cultures for Clostridium difficile and stool assay for C. difficile toxin may be helpful diagnostically. 5.2 Ultraviolet Light and Environmental Exposure Minimize sun exposure including use of tanning beds or sun lamps following drug application . 5.3 Concomitant Topical Medications Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution since a possible cumulative irritancy effect may occur, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents. If irritancy or dermatitis occurs, reduce frequency of application or temporarily interrupt treatment and resume once the irritation subsides. Treatment should be discontinued if the irritation persists.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% is contraindicated in: Patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, any components of the formulation, or lincomycin. (4) Patients with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis (including pseudomembranous colitis). (4) 4.1 Hypersensitivity Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to clindamycin, benzoyl peroxide, any components of the formulation, or lincomycin. Anaphylaxis, as well as allergic reactions leading to hospitalization, has been reported in postmarketing use with Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5%. [See Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 ).] 4.2 Colitis/Enteritis Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% is contraindicated in those individuals with a history of regional enteritis, ulcerative colitis, pseudomembranous colitis, or antibiotic-associated colitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].
Drug interactions
DRUG INTERACTIONS Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% should not be used in combination with erythromycin-containing products because of its clindamycin component. ( 7.1 ) 7.1 Erythromycin Avoid using Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% in combination with erythromycin-containing products due to its clindamycin component. In vitro studies have shown antagonism between erythromycin and clindamycin. The clinical significance of this in vitro antagonism is not known. 7.2 Concomitant Topical Medications Concomitant topical acne therapies should be used with caution since a possible cumulative irritancy effect may occur, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents. If irritancy or dermatitis occurs, reduce frequency of application or temporarily interrupt treatment and resume once the irritation subsides. Treatment should be discontinued if the irritation persists. 7.3 Neuromuscular Blocking Agents Clindamycin has been shown to have neuromuscular blocking properties that may enhance the action of other neuromuscular blocking agents. Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% should be used with caution in patients receiving such agents. 7.4 Topical Sulfone Products Use of topical benzoyl-peroxide-containing preparations with topical sulfone products may cause skin and facial hair to temporarily change color (yellow/orange).
Adverse reactions
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reaction is described in more detail in the Warnings and Precautions section of the label: Colitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. The most common local adverse reactions (≥5%) are erythema, peeling, dryness and burning. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Encube Ethicals Private Limited at 1-833-285-4151 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. During clinical trials, 397 subjects used Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% once daily for 11 weeks for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. All subjects were graded for facial local skin reactions (erythema, peeling, burning, and dryness) on the following scale: 0 = absent, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, and 3 = severe. The percentage of subjects that had symptoms present before treatment (at baseline) and during treatment is presented in Table 1. Table 1. Local Skin Reactions with Use of Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% Combined Results from Five Trials (n = 397) % of Subjects Using Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% with Symptom Present Before Treatment (Baseline) During Treatment Symptom Mild Moderate Severe Mild Moderate Severe Erythema 28% 3% 0 26% 5% 0 Peeling 6% <1% 0 17% 2% 0 Burning 3% <1% 0 5% <1% 0 Dryness 6% <1% 0 15% 1% 0 (Percentages derived by number of subjects receiving Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5% with symptom score/number of enrolled subjects receiving Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5%). 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5%. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Anaphylaxis, as well as allergic reactions leading to hospitalization, has been reported in postmarketing use with Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1.2%/5%. Urticaria, application site reactions, including discoloration have been reported.
Mechanism of action
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY An in vitro percutaneous penetration study comparing Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1%/5% and topical 1% clindamycin gel alone, demonstrated there was no statistical difference in penetration between the two drugs. Mean systemic bioavailability of topical clindamycin in Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1%/5% is suggested to be less than 1%. Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be absorbed by the skin where it is converted to benzoic acid. Less than 2% of the dose enters systemic circulation as benzoic acid. It is suggested that the lipophilic nature of benzoyl peroxide acts to concentrate the compound into the lipid-rich sebaceous follicle. Pharmacokinetics The pharmacokinetics (plasma and urine) of clindamycin from Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1%/5% was studied in male and female patients (n=13) with acne vulgaris. Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1%/5% (~2g) was applied topically to the face and back twice daily for four and a half (4.5) days. Quantifiable (>LOQ=1ng/mL) clindamycin plasma concentrations were obtained in six of thirteen subjects (46.2%) on Day 1 and twelve of thirteen subjects (92.3%) on Day 5. Peak plasma concentrations (C max ) of clindamycin ranged from 1.47 ng/mL to 2.77 ng/mL on Day 1 and 1.43 ng/mL to 7.18 ng/mL on Day 5. The AUC (0-12h) ranged from 2.74 ng.h/mL to 12.86 ng.h/mL on Day 1 and 11.4 ng.h/mL to 69.7 ng.h/mL on Day 5. The amount of clindamycin excreted in the urine during the 12 hour dosing interval increased from a mean (SD) of 5745 (3130) ng on Day 1 to 12069 (7660) ng on Day 5. The mean % (SD) of the administered dose that was excreted in the urine ranged from 0.03% (0.02) to 0.08% (0.04). A comparison of the single (Day 1) and multiple (Day 5) dose plasma urinary concentrations of clindamycin indicates that there is accumulation of clindamycin following multiple dosing of Clindamycin Phosphate and Benzoyl Peroxide Gel, 1%/5%. The degree of accumulation calculated from the plasma and urinary excretion data was ~2-fold. Microbiology The clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide components individually have been shown to have in vitro activity against Propionibacterium acnes an organism which has been associated with acne vulgaris; however, the clinical significance of this activity against P. acnes was not examined in clinical trials with this product.
NDC examples
51672-13670378-868868682-13345802-38372603-32213548-13251672-14030187-305070710-14450591-391621922-02221922-074
Indicated ICD-10 codes
Treats these conditions
Source: openFDA + RxNorm · 2026
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