Common uses

Benzac is a topical agent used to treat acne. It has an antibacterial effect, in order to kill the bacteria infecting serious acne lesions. It also works to dry out skin, so that it does not produce excess oils. Benzac works by cleaning out deposits of oil under the skin and drying them out; for this reason it may be two to three weeks until you observe improvement in your skin. Do not stop using Benzac even if you do not see immediate improvement. You should not cover the area where you apply Benzac unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Before using

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical while you are also using tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X). Using these medications together could cause severe skin irritation.
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
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.
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 of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor or on the package. To use the gel wash: wet the affected area. Use your hands to apply the medicine and gently wash. Rinse with water and pat dry. Wash your hands after using this medicine. To use the gel: wash and completely dry the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. Wash your hands after using this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions

Benzac is a medicine that should not be applied on wind burned, sunburned, chapped, dry or irritated skin. Benzac should not be applied on areas with eczema or on wounds either. You should let all these conditions heal before you start a treatment with Benzac (Benzoyl Peroxide Topical). In this way, you will avoid any further unpleasant complications.
This drug is a Category C FDA pregnancy drug. Therefore, the effect that Benzac has on the carrying mother or on the growing fetus is not known. If you are currently pregnant or if you want to be soon, you should discuss it with your personal doctor before starting a treatment with this drug. It is not clear whether Benzac can pass into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding your child you should not start taking this drug without your doctor’s consent.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment include dryness, peeling, feeling of warmth, or stinging. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience excessive itching, burning, tenderness, or redness of your skin; or extreme dryness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

Over dosage of Benzac is very rare. However, if you suppose that you are suffering from overdose with this medicine or if you have ingested Benzac you should seek immediate medical attention (contact the nearest poison control center, inform your personal physician).

Additional information

For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Drug interactions

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 your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.