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Acanya
Available in the form of a gel, Acanya is a medicine that is applied to the skin to treat acne. It contains a combination of two medications, which work by killing acne-causing bacteria. In most cases, this prescription skin gel is applied to the affected areas once daily. Possible side effects include skin irritation, such as redness, itching, and burning.
Acanya® (clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide) is a prescription acne medication that contains a combination of two active ingredients: clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide. This medicine comes as a topical gel, which is applied directly on the skin.
(Click Acanya Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Acanya is made by Contract Pharmaceuticals Limited for Coria Laboratories.
Acanya is a combination of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. These medications work in different ways to treat acne.
Clindamycin belongs to a class of antibiotics known as lincosamides. It works by binding to bacterial ribosomes (the parts of cells that make proteins) and interfering with their ability to make proteins, which are necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply. This helps stop the spread of the bacteria that contribute to acne (Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes for short).
Benzoyl peroxide is also thought to work by killing P. acnes. It does this by releasing oxygen into the pores of the skin. Because P. acnes is a type of anaerobic bacteria, which means it lives without oxygen, the oxygen kills the bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide also helps soften and peel away the outer layer of the skin, which can open up clogged pores and help improve the skin's appearance.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD