Ziana Gel

Generic name: Clindamycin phosphate

What is Ziana Gel?

Ziana Gel is an antibiotic and retinoid combination prescription product used for the topical treatment of acne in patients 12 years and older.

What is the most important information I should know about Ziana Gel?

Ziana Gel may cause skin irritation such as dryness, redness, peeling, burning, or stinging. Stop Ziana Gel and call your doctor if your skin becomes very red, swollen, blistered, or crusted.

If you use Ziana Gel and you experience severe diarrhea or gastrointestinal (stomach and intestine) discomfort, you should discontinue using this medication and contact your physician.

Do not use more than the recommended dose.

A sunscreen should be applied every morning and reapplied over the course of the day as needed. You should avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamp, UV light, and other medicines that may increase sensitivity to sunlight. If you have sunburn, you should discontinue the medication right away and contact your physician.

Important: Not for mouth, eye, or vaginal use.

Who should not take Ziana Gel?

Do not use Ziana Gel if you have Crohn's disease (inflammatory disease of the stomach and intestine), ulcerative colitis (inflammations of the large intestine), or if you have developed colitis (inflammation of the colon) with past antibiotic use.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Ziana Gel?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medication you are taking before beginning treatment with Ziana Gel. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding. Be sure your doctor knows about all the skin care products you use.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults and children 12 years and older: Apply a pea-sized amount to the face once a day at bedtime.

How should I take Ziana Gel?

Use Ziana Gel exactly as prescribed, even though it may take some time for your acne to improve. Your doctor will tell you how long to use Ziana Gel.

At bedtime: After washing your face gently with a mild soap and warm water, pat the skin dry. Apply a pea-size amount of Ziana Gel to your fingertip and spread it over your face. Gently, smooth it into your skin. Do not get Ziana Gel in your eyes or mouth, on your lips, on the corners of your nose, or on open wounds.

In the morning, apply a sunscreen and reapply during the day as needed.

Do not apply Ziana Gel more than once a day and do not use too much of it because it may irritate your skin.

Do not wash your face more than 2 to 3 times a day. Washing your face too often or scrubbing it may make your acne worse.

What should I avoid while taking Ziana Gel?

Avoid excessive exposure to the sun, cold, and wind. Weather extremes can dry and burn the skin. Always use a sunscreen on Ziana Gel-treated skin, even on cloudy days. Use other protective clothing such as a hat when you are in the sun.

Do not use sunlamps and tanning booths; medicated or rough soaps and cleansers; soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect; and skin products that contain alcohol, astringents, spices, or lime. These products may cause increased skin irritation if used with Ziana Gel.

If your face becomes sunburned, stop Ziana Gel until your skin has healed.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Ziana Gel?

If Ziana Gel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ziana Gel with erythromycin-containing products.

What are the possible side effects of Ziana Gel?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: change in skin color, diarrhea, skin dryness, redness, peeling, burning, stinging

Talk to your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the side effects with Ziana Gel. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Can I receive Ziana Gel if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Ziana Gel during pregnancy are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ziana Gel?

Skip the dose you missed and resume treatment the following night.

How should I store Ziana Gel?

Store at room temperature away from heat and light. Keep the tube tightly closed.