The drug combination benzoyl
peroxide/clindamycin is a topical gel used for the treatment of acne. It is sold under the trade names Duac (byStiefel Labs) and BenzaClin (by Sanofi Aventis). Both contain % clindamycin phosphate and % 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.
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.
How supplied
Duac comes supplied in two ways, in a gram
tube, and in the DUAC CS Convenience Kit, containing the gram
tube and a bottle of SFC Lotion, a soap-free cleanser that
is applied to either wet or dry skin then rubbed off with a tissue or soft
cloth.
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