Benzaclin Side Effects

BenzaClin is a prescription topical gel that contains clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. While it is effective at treating acne, BenzaClin also poses a risk for side effects in some patients.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of BenzaClin include dry skin, redness and irritation at the site of application, itching, peeling and an increased incidence of sunburn.

Significance

Dry skin occurs in roughly 12 percent of BenzaClin users, according to RxList. The other common side effects of BenzaClin affect between 1 and 3 percent of patients.

Solution

The use of a moisturizing lotion helps eliminate some of the dryness and itching associated with BenzaClin use, according to RxList.

Risks

Rarely, patients who use BenzaClin develop a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the colon called pseudomembraneous colitis. This inflammation causes severe diarrhea, which may be bloody, and poses a risk for dehydration. Though its effects on humans are unknown, benzoyl peroxide is known to cause cancerous tumors in animals with prolonged use, according to RxList.

Considerations

Since it increases your sensitivity to the sun, use sunscreen and avoid tanning while you are using BenzaClin. If you have a history of enteritis or colitis, or if you are pregnant, avoid using BenzaClin due to its potential side effects.

References

• RxList: BenzaClin