BENZOYL PEROXIDE - TOPICAL (Benoxyl, Benzac AC, Benzac W, Benzagel, Brevoxyl, Desquam, Fostex, Persa-Gel, Triaz, Vanoxide, Zoderm) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: BENZOYL PEROXIDE - TOPICAL (BEN-zoh-ill per-OX-ide)

BRAND NAME(S): Benoxyl, Benzac AC, Benzac W, Benzagel, Brevoxyl, Desquam, Fostex, Persa-Gel, Triaz, Vanoxide, Zoderm

USES: Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat mild to moderate acne.

HOW TO USE: This medication is for topical use on the affected area only. Avoid any contact of this medication with your eyes, inside your nose or mouth or on inflamed or damaged skin; doing so could cause irritation. The liquid wash or bar soap is used instead of soap once or twice a day. Wet the skin before applying this. Gently work up a lather and rinse thoroughly. Do not scrub the skin. Creams, lotions or gels are usually applied once or twice a day to the affected area. Before applying each dose, gently wash the affected areas with a mild cleanser and pat dry. A small amount of medicine is applied to the affected area and rubbed in gently. Pads: Wash the affected area of skin with a mild cleanser and water then dry it. Next apply the pad, usually once or twice a day to the skin as directed. If excessive drying occurs, you may need to apply smaller amounts of the drug or use less often. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details. Cleansers: Wet the affected area. Gently rub the cleanser into the skin for 10-20 seconds. Work into a full lather and rinse thoroughly. If excessive drying occurs, you may need to rinse the cleanser off sooner or use it less often. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

SIDE EFFECTS: Slight stinging, dryness and peeling may occur initially. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor promptly if the following effects occur: redness, irritation, scaly eruptions, rash. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using benzoyl peroxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication may bleach hair or colored fabric. Use cautiously to avoid contact with clothing or hair. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Benzoyl peroxide should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Though there have been no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.