How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient clindamycin phosphate, which is an antibiotic medicine. It has activity against a wide variety of bacteria, including the bacteria associated with acne, Propionebacterium acnes. This is a common type of bacteria that feeds on sebum produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glands, making them inflamed and causing spots. Clindamycin works by preventing the bacteria from producing proteins essential to the bacterial cell. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, replicate and increase in numbers. By controlling bacterial numbers, the inflammation of the sebaceous glands is brought under control, and the skin is allowed to heal.

What is it used for?

Acne

Warning!

This preparation is for external use only.

Clindamycin given by mouth or injection has been associated with inflammation of the bowel, leading to diarrhoea with blood and mucus. This is extremely rare with clindamycin applied to the skin, but if you do experience diarrhoea you should stop using this medicine and consult your doctor immediately.

Some brands of this medicine contain an alcohol base which can cause burning and irritation of the eyes and sensitive areas of skin. Keep alcohol based preparations away from the eyes and delicate linings of the nose and mouth. In the event of accidental contact bathe the affected area with plenty of cool water.

Not to be used in

Allergy to the antibiotic lincomycin

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is therefore not recommended whilst taking this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Dry skin

Skin irritation

Allergic inflammation of the skin (irritant dermatitis)

Itching (pruritis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Some manufacturers advise that clindamycin preparations containing alcohol should not be used with benzoyl peroxide.

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