Acanya

Generic name:benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin topical [ BEN-zoyl-per-OX-ide-and-clin-da-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Acanya, BenzaClin, BenzaClin with pump, Duac, Z-Clinz 10, Z-Clinz 5
Drug class:Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2021.

What is Acanya?

Acanya Gel contains a combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oil and dirt to be washed away. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that prevents bacteria from growing on the skin.

Acanya Gel is used to treat acne vulgaris in patients 12 years or older.

Acanya may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Use Acanya exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not use this medication for longer than your doctor has prescribed.

Avoid getting Acanya Gel in your eyes, mouth, or nose (or in the creases of your nose), or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not apply Acanya to sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Although Acanya is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to cause serious side effects. You may not be able to use this medication if you have inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis), ulcerative colitis, or if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. This medication can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Before using Acanya

Do not use Acanya if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin (Cleocin, Clina-Derm, Clindets).

Although Acanya is applied to the skin, your body may absorb enough clindamycin to cause serious side effects. You may not be able to use this medication if you have:

• inflammation of your intestines (also called enteritis);

• ulcerative colitis; or

• if you have ever had severe diarrhea caused by antibiotic medicine.

It is not known whether Acanya will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Acanya.

How should I use Acanya?

Use Acanya exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects.

Wash your hands before and after applyi...