Type of medicine: antibiotic; topical retinoid; acne treatment
Generic and brand names: clindamycin/tretinoin, topical; Ziana
This medicine is used on the skin to treat acne. It is a combination of 2 medicines, an antibiotic and a retinoid.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before using this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. This medicine is for external (on the skin) use only. Apply this medicine to the skin exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes, usually once a day at bedtime. Before applying the medicine, wash your face with mild soap, pat it dry, and wait 20 to 30 minutes before you apply the medicine. Use a pea-sized amount to cover all the face.
Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your healthcare provider prescribes because the results will not be better and the skin may be severely irritated. Do not wash your face more than 2 or 3 times a day.
Do not get this medicine in your mouth, nose, or eyes. If you do, flush with cool, clean water. Wash your hands before and after applying this or any other medicine to your skin.
If you miss a dose, do not use it more than once the next day, or use double the amount of medicine. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may cause you to sunburn more easily. Your skin may also be more sensitive to wind and cold. While you are using this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while you are using this medicine, even on cloudy days. Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Do not use this medicine on sunburned skin, or on eczema or other skin conditions.
This medicine is not a cosmetic and should be used only as a part of a skin care and sun avoidance program. This medicine may be absorbed into the bloodstream and could cause severe colitis. If you develop severe or continuous diarrhea or stomach cramps, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not try to treat the diarrhea without the advice of your provider.
This medicine may cause your skin to temporarily get lighter or darker. If this medicine causes severe irritation of your skin, stop using it and contact your healthcare provider.
Using antibiotics on your skin for a long time may increase your risk of fungal infections. Check with your healthcare provider.
Ask your healthcare provider about the use of cosmetics and other skin products while using this medicine. You may need to use a moisturizer daily, usually in the morning.
Do not give this medicine to others who may seem to have a similar problem.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Skin irritation, redness, swelling, blisters, or pus while you are using this medicine; bloody or constant diarrhea; severe stomach cramps.
Other: Peeling, dry skin; burning, stinging, itching, or a rash; sore throat; cough; stuffy nose; change in skin color (lighter or darker).
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
While using this medicine, do not use any other skin products that may increase the irritation of your skin such as medicated shampoos, skin cleansers, products with a high alcohol content, cosmetics with strong drying effect, astringents, spices, lime, electrolysis, hair removers and wax, or permanent wave solutions.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
