Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical)
Description
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is an antiseptic that is effectively used on the skin to treat acne (pimples, blackheads and whiteheads) on your face, back and chest. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria on your skin. Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) reduces painful lumps and clears the dirt and excess oil from your skin.
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) shows side effects like dry skin, redness of the skin, itching, skin peeling and burning sensation at the application site. Do not use Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) if you are previously allergic to it. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any side effects.
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) has to be used as per your doctor’s instructions. Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age. Consult your doctor before using Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical)
- Skin irritation
- Skin rash
- Burning sensation at the application site
- Swelling of face
- Redness of skin
- Itchy and dry skin
Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical)
What is it prescribed for?
- Acne vulgaris
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionYou will start to see an improvement in 2 to 6 weeks after using Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) depending on your skin condition
- Duration of effectThe duration of action of Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is 6 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendencies were reported for Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical).
- Usage in pregnancy?Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is generally safe to be taken during pregnancy. It is not known to cause any harm to the foetus. However, it is recommended that you use it only upon your doctor’s prescription.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is safe to be used in breastfeeding women. However, use it only on your doctor’s recommendation.
Allergy
Avoid using Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of allergy such as a skin rash, hives (itchy eruptions that sting), redness of the skin, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is generally safe to be taken during pregnancy. It is not known to cause any harm to the foetus. However, it is recommended that you use it only upon your doctor’s prescription.
Breast-feeding
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is safe to be used in breastfeeding women. However, use it only on your doctor’s recommendation.
General warnings
Skin peeling
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) may cause irritation and peeling of the skin when applied the first few times. This effect is not harmful and subsides within few days.
For external use
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is recommended for external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes, or open wounds.
Skin irritation
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) may increase the skin irritation, therefore, should not be used if you have dry skin.
Use in children
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age, since the safety and efficacy data is unavailable.
Missed Dose
If you miss applying Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) at your regular time, apply it as soon as you remember.
Overdose
An overdose of Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) can cause a rare but severe allergic reaction like severe skin irritation or rash. In such cases, contact your doctor immediately.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Tretinoin/ Isotretinoin
Dapsone
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) is for external use only. Avoid contact with your eyes, lips, or mouth. While using Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical), wet the affected area with water, apply the soap on the affected area and clean thoroughly after 2-3 minutes.
Do not use Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) frequently/more than prescribed as this may cause excessive drying. Finish the entire course of treatment even if your symptoms begin to clear up after a few days. If irritation persists for a prolonged time, stop using Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) and consult your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical) stops the growth of the bacteria and thus, helps in keeping the pores of the skin clean and maintain healthy skin.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Topical acne agents
Schedule
OTC
Drugs, H., 2021. Benzoyl Peroxide Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 15 July 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Acnecide 5% w/w Gel - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 15 July 2021].
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Benzoyl peroxide. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 15 July 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 15 July 2021].
Rowanbio.in. 2021. Rowanbio. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 27 July 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 24 Aug 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.