Benzoyl Peroxide (On the skin)
BEN-zoe-il per-OX-ide
Treats acne and other skin conditions.
Drug classes
Antiacne, Antiacne Antibacterial, Antiacne Keratolytic, Keratolytic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Benzoyl peroxide topical is used to treat acne and may be used for other skin conditions as determined by your doctor.
This medicine is available without prescription. Some of the skin products are available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, benzoyl peroxide topical is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Decubital ulcer (bed sores)
Stasis ulcer (a certain type of ulcer)
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Bar, Cream, Foam, Gel/Jelly, Liquid, Lotion, Pad, Soap
When you first begin to use this product, apply it to 1 or 2 small affected areas of the skin for 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow the directions on the product label or use the medicine as directed by your doctor.
Use this medicine only on your skin. Rinse it off right away if it gets on a cut or scrape. Do not get the medicine in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Missed dose:Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you ever had an allergic reaction to an acne product.
This medicine may bleach your hair or clothes.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Burning, blistering, swollen, or peeling skin
Fainting
Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild stinging, itching, redness, or dry skin
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
10 Benzagel Acne Gel, 2.5 Benzagel Acne Gel, 2.5 Benzagel Acne Lotion, 5 Benzagel Acne Gel, 5 Benzagel Acne Lotion, 5 Benzagel Acne Wash, Acetoxyl 10, Acetoxyl 2.5, Acetoxyl 20, Acetoxyl 5, Acne, Acne 10 Gel, Acne Foaming Face Wash, Acne Medication 10, Acne Medication 5, Acne Wash, Acne-10, Acne-5, Acnomel Bp 5, Alquam-X Acne Therapy Gel, BPO 4% Creamy Wash Complete Pack, BPO 4% Gel, BPO 8% Creamy Wash Complete Pack, BPO 8% Gel, BPO Foaming Cloths, BPO-10, BPO-5, BenzEFoam, BenzEFoam Ultra, Benzac, Benzac AC, Benzagel, Benzashave, Benziq, Binora, Brevoxyl
There may be other brand names for this medicine.