Benzoyl peroxide topical

Generic name: Benzoyl Peroxide Topical
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Usage of Benzoyl peroxide topical

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away from the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne.

There are many brands and forms of benzoyl peroxide available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Benzoyl peroxide topical side effects

Benzoyl peroxide topical can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. These reactions may occur just a few minutes after you apply the medicine, or within a day or longer afterward.

Stop using benzoyl peroxide topical and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using benzoyl peroxide and call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects on the treated skin:

severe itching or burning;

severe stinging or redness;

swelling; or

peeling.

Common side effects of benzoyl peroxide topical may include:

mild stinging or burning;

itching or tingly feeling;

skin dryness, peeling, or flaking; or

redness or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Benzoyl peroxide topical

You should not use benzoyl peroxide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

very sensitive skin.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if benzoyl peroxide topical is safe to use if you have any skin conditions or allergies.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice.

Relate drugs

How to use Benzoyl peroxide topical

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Gel/cream/liquid/lotion/bar/foam: Start with 1 application per day, then gradually increase to 2 or 3 times per day if needed or as directed by a healthcare providerCloth: Wash affected areas once or twice per day, or as directed by a healthcare providerComments:-Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this drug.-If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.-If going outside, apply sunscreen after using this product.-If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use and ask a healthcare provider.Use: Treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

12 years or older:Foam: Start with 1 application per day, then gradually increase to 2 or 3 times per day if needed or as directed by a healthcare providerComments:-Clean the skin thoroughly before applying this drug.-If dryness or peeling occurs, reduce application to once a day or every other day.-If going outside, apply sunscreen after using this product.-If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use and ask a healthcare provider.Use: Treatment of acne vulgaris

Warnings

Benzoyl peroxide can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What other drugs will affect Benzoyl peroxide topical

Applying benzoyl peroxide while you are also using tretinoin topical medicine may cause severe skin irritation. Brands that contain tretinoin include Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X, and others.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

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