What is the most important information I should know about benzoyl peroxide topical?
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 is 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 and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.
Benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using benzoyl peroxide topical?
You should not use benzoyl peroxide if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially skin conditions or allergies.
It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide topical will harm an unborn baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide topical passes into breast milk or if it could affect a nursing baby. Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are breast-feeding.
Do not use this medicine on a child without medical advice.
How should I use benzoyl peroxide topical?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Benzoyl peroxide topical can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Before you start using this medicine, you may choose to apply a "test dose" to see if you have a reaction. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to 1 or 2 small acne areas every day for 3 days in a row. If there is no reaction, begin using the full prescribed amount on the 4th day.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
Shake the lotion well just before each use.
Clean and pat dry the skin to be treated. Apply benzoyl peroxide in a thin layer and rub in gently.
Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor has told you to.
Benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied one to three times daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Avoid allowing this medication to come into contact with your hair or clothing.
It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using benzoyl peroxide topical?
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
What are the possible side effects of benzoyl peroxide topical?
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 this medicine 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 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.
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.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied benzoyl peroxide. 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.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about benzoyl peroxide topical.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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