Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
GENERIC NAME: erythromycin & benzoyl peroxide (gel or pak)
BRAND NAME: Benzamycin
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Benzamycin is a combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide and is used for the topical treatment of acne (pimples). Erythromycin is an antibiotic. The exact mechanism by which topical erythromycin reduces pimples is unknown. Erythromycin probably reduces pimples by penetrating into the skin and killing bacteria that contribute to the formation of pimples. Benzoyl peroxide works through several mechanisms. It kills the bacteria and promotes the growth of new skin cells. It also dries the skin. Increased cell growth leads to replacement of the pimples with new skin. Combining erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide is more convenient than using them separately.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: No
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Benzamycin is dispensed in amounts of 46.6 gm, each gram containing 30 mg of erythromycin and 50 mg of benzoyl peroxide gel. The erythromycin powder is mixed with ethyl alcohol and then added to the benzoyl peroxide gel before it is dispensed to the patient. Benzamycin also is available as Benzamycin Pak, 60 individual-use packets containing both erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide as gels that are physically separated within the packet. Just prior to use, the packet is opened, and the gels are mixed.
STORAGE: Prior to mixing the erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide together, Benzamycin should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F). After mixing, Benzamycin should be stored in the refrigerator.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Benzamycin is used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris (pimples).
DOSING: The affected areas are washed and dried, and a thin layer of gel is applied once or twice a day. The eyes, lips and nose should be avoided. Results should be seen within 4 to 6 weeks. This product is for external use only.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Excessive skin irritation may occur if
Benzamycin is used with other acne medications.
PREGNANCY: Safety of Benzamycin when used during pregnancy has not been established; however, the risk of side effects on the fetus is low because very little drug is absorbed through the skin.
NURSING MOTHERS: The possibility that infants will experience adverse effects due to the use of
Benzamycin by a nursing mother is very low since little drug is absorbed through the skin.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects are skin irritation, redness, dryness and itching. Most of these side effects lessen with continued use. If they are bothersome, decreasing the frequency of application could be helpful.
Benzamycin may increase sensitivity to the sun leading to sunburns. Excessive sun exposure should be avoided and sunscreen should be used over treated areas if sun exposure cannot be avoided.
Benzamycin should not be applied to sunburned skin, cuts, eyes, nose or lips.
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile spores are found frequently in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, and nurseries for newborn infants. They can be found on bedpans, furniture, toilet seats, linens, telephones, stethoscopes, fingernails, rings, floors, infants' rooms, and diaper pails. They even can be carried by pets. Antibiotic-associated (C. difficile) colitis is an infection of the colon caused by C. difficile that occurs primarily among individuals who have been using antibiotics. Treatment for C. difficile colitis hydration, replenishment of electrolyte deficiencies, discontinuing the antibiotic that caused the colitis, and using antibiotics to eradicate the C. difficile bacterium.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is the most common type of infection acquired by patients while hospitalized. Patients at risk for VRE are those who are already ill, and hospitalized, including individuals with diabetes, elderly, ICU patients, kidney failure patients, or patients requiring catheters. Enterococci can survive for months in the digestive tract and female genital tract. Other risk factors for acquiring VRE include those how have been previously treated with vancomycin and combinations of other antibiotics. Treatment of VRE is generally with other antibiotics other than vancomycin. Prevention of VRE can be achieved by proper hand hygiene.
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium that is related to the
bacterium that cause tetanus and botulism. The
C. difficile bacterium has two
forms, an active, infectious form that cannot survive in the environment for
prolonged periods, and a nonactive, "noninfectious" form, called a spore, that
can survive in the environment for prolonged periods. Although spores cannot
cause infection directly, when they are ingested they transform into the active,
infectious form.
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