Summary

Commonly reported side effects of benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical include: xeroderma. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

Applies to benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical: external gel, external kit.

Serious side effects

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad irritation where this drug is used.

Other side effects

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Irritation where this drug is used.
• Dry skin.
• Itching.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical: topical gel, topical kit.

General

The most frequently reported side effects were erythema, scaling, peeling, dry skin, and itching.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Erythema (up to 28%), scaling (up to 19%), peeling (up to 17%), dry skin (up to 15%), itching (up to 15%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, sunburn, burning, stinging

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contact dermatitis, rash, acne worsened

Postmarketing reports: Urticaria^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Colitis

Postmarketing reports: Pseudomembranous colitis, hemorrhagic diarrhea, diarrhea, abdominal pain^[Ref]

Immunologic

Postmarketing reports: Anaphylaxis, allergic reaction^[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Application site reaction

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Application site pain, application site exfoliation, application site irritation

Postmarketing reports: Discoloration^[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Paresthesia^[Ref]