Skip to main content
Clindamycin / Benzoyl Peroxide Coupon - Clindamycin / Benzoyl Peroxide 50g of 1%/5% jar of gel

clindamycin / benzoyl peroxide

Generic Neuac, Acanya
Used for Acne
Used for Acne

Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is a combination topical gel used to treat acne in people ages 12 years and older. It contains a lincosamide antibiotic (clindamycin) and an antiseptic (benzoyl peroxide) that kills acne-causing bacteria and easing skin inflammation. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is applied to the face once or twice per day, depending on the strength. Side effects include skin redness and itching. This medication is available as both brand name (e.g., Neuac, Acanya) and generic versions.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 13, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?

What is Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide used for?

How Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide works

Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is a combination of two medications that work together to treat acne.

  • Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic. It works by stopping bacteria from making their own proteins. This prevents the bacteria that cause acne from growing and spreading.

  • Benzoyl peroxide is an antiseptic. It works by killing the bacteria on the skin that cause acne. It also helps improve the skin texture by shedding damaged or flaking skin and reducing inflammation.

Are you looking for information on Onexton (clindamycin / benzoyl peroxide) or Cabtreo (clindamycin / benzoyl peroxide / adapalene) instead?
When does Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAcanya, Neuac
Drug ClassTopical antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$248.85(save 89.30%)
GoodRx discount
$26.63
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Neuac:
  • Mild skin redness (26%)
  • Mild skin peeling (17%)
  • Mild skin dryness (15%)
  • Mild skin burning (5%)
Acanya:
  • Mild skin redness (25%)
  • Mild skin scaling (18%)
  • Mild skin itching (15%)
  • Mild skin burning (8%)
Clindamycin 1% / benzoyl peroxide 5%:
  • Dryness (12%)

Other Side Effects

  • Stinging
  • Sunburn

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Inflammation of your large intestine: diarrhea that doesn't go away (especially if it's bloody), severe stomach cramps
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; itching; swelling of your face, eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
When do Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Skin dryness
Skin redness
Skin peeling
Skin burning
Skin itching
Skin shedding

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Dry skin

Less common

Burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site

flushing or redness of the skin

peeling

sunburn

unusually warm skin

Incidence not known

Cough

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

hives or skin rash

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

tightness in the chest

unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide side effects
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide

thumbs-up

Pros

Applied to the skin

Available in different strengths, depending on your needs

Causes fewer side effects compared to oral acne medications

thumbs-down

Cons

Can bleach your hair and clothes

Can take up to 3 months to see full effects

Makes your skin more sensitive to light

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide

pharmacist

  • Use a mild cleanser to clean the affected area(s) where you'll be applying clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide. Make sure your skin is completely dry before using clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide.

    • Apply a thin layer of clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide on the affected area(s) of the skin on the face once or twice a day, depending on the instructions from your prescriber. Make sure to apply enough to cover the skin with a thin layer of medication.

      • Avoid applying clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide to the eyes, mouth, lips, mouth, vagina, or areas of skin that are broken.

        • Start using a mild moisturizer as often as needed to help prevent your skin from becoming too dry or irritated. Also, use sunscreen and wear protective clothing (e.g., hats) when going outside because clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide can make your skin more sensitive to light.

          • Store clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide at room temperature (up to 77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed and out of reach from children.

            • Neuac is good for 60 days, Acanya is good for 10 weeks, and clindamycin 1% /benzoyl peroxide 5% is good for 3 months after opening. Write the expiration date on your product, if not already there, and throw it away after this date.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide

              Is clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide good to use on sensitive skin?
              Let your dermatologist know if you have sensitive skin. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide can cause skin irritation (e.g., skin redness, peeling, burning), which might be more bothersome if your skin is already sensitive. Your care team might still prescribe clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide for you, depending on how sensitive your skin is and if you're using other topical acne medications that can also irritate the skin. Let your prescriber know if clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is causing bothersome skin-related side effects.
              Does clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide bleach skin?
              No, clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide doesn't typically bleach or change the color of skin. But benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair or clothing if these come in contact with the medication. To prevent this from happening, wash your hands with a mild soap and water after applying the medication before touching anything.
              Can I use niacinamide with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
              Check in with your dermatologist if you can start a topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient can be found in over-the-counter skin moisturizers and is thought to control oil, help ease skin irritation, and fight acne. Research shows that using niacinamide along with topical acne medications, like benzoyl peroxide, can help improve acne.
              Can I use vitamin C with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?
              Ask your dermatology team if you can use clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide with products containing topical vitamin C. When applied to the skin, vitamin C has anti-aging benefits and can help protect the skin against sun damage. Still, even if you use a vitamin C-containing product with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide, it's important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to minimize exposure to the sun. Keep in mind that some strengths of vitamin C can cause skin irritation, which could potentially worsen side effects from clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide.
              Does clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide cause purging?
              "Skin purging" is a term used to describe the worsening of acne that people might experience when starting certain acne medications, like retinoids. In clinical studies, people who used clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide didn't report a worsening of acne at the start of treatment. But they did experience other skin-related side effects, like redness and dryness at the application site.
              GoodRxEducationalIcon

              How to save using GoodRx

              Compare Prices
              1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
              Select your free coupon
              2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
              Show coupon to your pharmacist
              3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
              Get free couponLearn more
              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?

              Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Serious gut problem (colitis)

              • Risk factors: Applying clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide to mouth, eyes, or broken skin | Using clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide for a long time | Taking opioids or Lomotil (diphenoxylate / atropine) with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide

                Although rare, there have been reports of clindamycin getting absorbed from the skin and into the body, and causing a potentially life-threatening condition called colitis. Colitis is inflammation of your large intestine (the colon). People who take opioid pain medications (e.g., Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen), oxycodone, etc.) or Lomotil (diphenoxylate / atropine) might be at risk for prolonged or worsening colitis.

                If you experience diarrhea that doesn't go away, especially if it's bloody and causes severe stomach cramps, stop using clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and seek medical help. In some people, these symptoms might not happen until a few weeks after stopping the medication.

                risk-warning

                Sunburn

                Your skin can become more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light while using clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide. Too much exposure to UV light can even cause severe sunburn. Minimize your exposure to sunlight, sun lamps, and tanning beds during and immediately following treatment with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide. If possible, limit your time out in the sun or seek shade when you're outside. If you plan on spending time in the sun, ask your dermatologist about using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing (e.g., hats, long-sleeved shirts).

                risk-warning

                Skin irritations

                Using other topical acne medications along with clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide can cause skin irritation, such as peeling and flakey skin. If this happens, your dermatologist might ask you to temporarily stop treatment or use the medications less often until the skin irritation gets better. But if you experience severe skin irritation, your dermatologist will likely ask you to stop treatment and consider other options.

                dosage

                Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 jar of 50g of 1%/5% of Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is $36.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 85.53% off the average retail price of $248.85.
                gel pump
                Gel pump
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                50g of 1.2%/2.5%1 pump$45.00$45.00
                50g of 1.2%/3.75%1 pump$99.35$99.35
                35g of 1%/5%1 pump$38.46$38.46
                50g of 1%/5%1 pump$36.00$36.00
                jar of gel
                Jar of gel
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                25g of 1%/5%1 jar$28.00$28.00
                35g of 1%/5%1 jar$36.88$36.88
                50g of 1%/5%1 jar$36.00$36.00
                tube of gel
                Tube of gel
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                45g of 1.2%/5%1 tube$26.63$26.63
                See more Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide dosage
                interactions

                Interactions between Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and other drugs

                Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                • Atracurium
                • Metocurine
                • Tubocurarine
                See more Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide interactions
                drug-cost

                How much does Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide (generic)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $26.63

                (save 89.30%)
                View prices & coupons
                contraindications-icon

                Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide contraindications

                Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide will not be safe for you to take.

                • Allergy lincomycin

                • History of certain inflammatory gut problems (e.g., ulcerative colitis, antibiotic-associated colitis, or regional enteritis)

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide
                Used for:
                $26.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Benzamycin (erythromycin / benzoyl peroxide)
                Used for:

                • Acne

                $31.87 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Cabtreo
                Used for:
                $959.80 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide images

                This medicine is Colorless Jar Of Gel.
                white - Clindamycin / Benzoyl Peroxide 1%-5% Topical Gel
                This medicine is White Jar Of Gel.white - Clindamycin / Benzoyl Peroxide 1%-5% Topical Gel
                This medicine is Colorless Jar Of Gel.

                Get savings updates for Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide

                Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                References

                Best studies we found

                Al-Niaimi, F., et al. (2017). Topical vitamin C and the skin: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

                Bausch Health US, LLC. (2020). Acanya- clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

                Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. (2021). Clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

                View All References (5)

                Kaewsanit, T., et al. (2021). Clinical comparison of topical 2.5% benzoyl peroxide plus 5% niacinamide to 2.5% benzoyl peroxide alone in the treatment of mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

                Matin, T., et al. (2024). Benzoyl peroxide. StatPearls.

                Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals. (2023). Neuac- clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide gel [package insert]. DailyMed.

                MedlinePlus. (2023). Colitis.

                Wohlrab, J., et al. (2014). Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                Was this page helpful?

                Browse medications

                View All

                Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.