Benzoyl Peroxide (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat mild to moderate acne.

How this medication should be used

Benzoyl peroxide comes in cleansing liquid or bar, lotion, cream, and gel for use on the skin. Benzoyl peroxide usually is used one or two times daily. Start with once daily to see how your skin reacts to this medication. Follow the directions on the package or on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use benzoyl peroxide exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than directed by your doctor.

The cleansing liquid and bar are used to wash the affected area as directed.

To use the lotion, cream, or gel, first wash the affected skin areas and gently pat dry with a towel. Then apply a small amount of benzoyl peroxide and rub it in gently.

Avoid anything that may irritate your skin (e.g., abrasive soaps or cleansers, alcohol-containing products, cosmetics or soaps that dry the skin, medicated cosmetics, sunlight, and sunlamps) unless directed otherwise by your doctor.

It may take 4-6 weeks to see the effects of this medication. If your acne does not improve after this time, call your doctor.

Do not allow medication to get into your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide on children less than 12 years of age without talking to a doctor.

Special precautions

Before using benzoyl peroxide:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, including vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using benzoyl peroxide, call your doctor.

What to do if you forget a dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Benzoyl peroxide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dryness or peeling of skin
• feeling of warmth
• tingling
• slight stinging

Severe Side Effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• burning
• blistering
• itching
• redness
• rash
• swelling

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor. Benzoyl peroxide is for external use only. Do not let benzoyl peroxide get into your eyes, nose, or mouth, and do not swallow it. Do not apply dressings, bandages, cosmetics, lotions, or other skin medications to the area being treated unless your doctor tells you.

Keep benzoyl peroxide away from your hair and colored fabrics because it may bleach them.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Tell your doctor if your skin condition gets worse or does not go away.

Brand names

• Benoxyl®
• Benzac®
• Desquam®
• Fostex®
• Oxy 10®
• PanOxyl®