Benzoyl Peroxide
Rate ThisBenzoyl Peroxide
The following information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as a medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Benzoyl Peroxide
(BEN zoe il peer OKS ide)
U.S. Brand Names
Benzac® AC; Benzac® AC Wash; Benzac® W Wash; Benzagel®; BenzaShave®; Benziq™; Benziq™ LS; Brevoxyl®; Brevoxyl® Cleansing; Brevoxyl® Wash; Clearplex [OTC]; Clinac™ BPO; Del Aqua®; Desquam-E™ [DSC]; Desquam-X®; Exact® Acne Medication [OTC]; Fostex® 10% BPO [OTC]; Inova™; NeoBenz® Micro; NeoBenz® Micro SD; Neutrogena® Acne Mask [OTC]; Neutrogena® On The Spot® Acne Treatment [OTC]; Oxy 10® Balance Spot Treatment [OTC]; Oxy 10® Balanced Medicated Face Wash [OTC]; Palmer's® Skin Success Acne [OTC]; PanOxyl®; PanOxyl® Aqua Gel; PanOxyl® Bar [OTC]; PanOxyl®-AQ; Seba-Gel™; Triaz®; Triaz® Cleanser; Zapzyt® [OTC]; Zoderm®
Canadian Brand Names
Acetoxyl®; Benoxyl®; Benzac AC®; Benzac W® Gel; Benzac W® Wash; Desquam-X®; Oxyderm™; PanOxyl®; Solugel®
Mexican Brand Names
Benoxyl AQ AL; Benzac AC; Benzac W
Pharmacologic Category
Acne Products; Topical Skin Product; Topical Skin Product, Acne
Reasons not to take this medicine
• If you have an allergy to benzoyl peroxide or any other part of this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
• This medicine is used to treat acne.
How does it work?
• Benzoyl peroxide works to injure the bacteria and fight the infection causing the acne (pimples).
How is it best taken?
• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash hands before and after use.
• Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Shake lotion well before use.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Makeup can be used after the skin has dried.
Cleanser:
• Wash and rinse affected area with warm water, then pat dry.
Face mask:
• Clean affected area before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Wait 15-25 minutes for the mask to dry, then rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
Shaving cream:
• Wet affected area and apply a thin layer.
• Shave, rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
• Apply a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
• Do not apply a double dose or extra doses.
• Do not change dose or stop medicine.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Use of other skin products can increase irritation.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds.
• This medicine can stain fabric.
• This medicine can stain hair.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
• Dry skin.
• Skin irritation.
• Itching.
• Skin discoloration.
What should I monitor?
• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe skin irritation.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
• Store at room temperature.
General statements
• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Created: 2006-10-13 10:55:40.0
Modified: 2008-05-30 11:45:39.0
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