Benzamycin

Generic Name: benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical (BEN zoe ill per OX ide and er ith roe MYE sin)

Brand Names: Benzamycin

What is Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical)?

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away.

Erythromycin is an antibiotic. Erythromycin topical prevents bacteria from growing on the skin.

Together, benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin are used to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical)?

Do not use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on open wounds.

Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical.

Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching.

Avoid combining PABA-containing sunscreens and benzoyl peroxide. Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical)?

Do not use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions much worse. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical during treatment with tretinoin (Retin-A). The combination could lead to severe skin irritation.

It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is also not known whether benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical passes into breast milk. Do not use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical)?

Use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Clean and dry the area to which you will apply the medication. Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical is usually applied twice daily in the morning and evening. Follow your doctor's directions. When applying benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical, avoid the eyes, the inside of the nose and mouth, the lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water. Do not cover the affected area after applying benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful. It may take several weeks or more to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical if you do not see results immediately. Store benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the next regularly scheduled dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, or if benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.

What should I avoid while taking Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical)?

Do not use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin or on open wounds.

Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical.

Do not cover the affected area after applying benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.

Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the affected area.

Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching.

Avoid combining PABA-containing sunscreens and benzoyl peroxide. Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.

Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical) side effects

Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives).

You may experience some skin burning, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, dryness, peeling, or irritation while using benzoyl peroxide topical. If these side effects are excessive, apply benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical less often.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical)?

Do not use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical during treatment with tretinoin (Retin-A). The combination could lead to severe skin irritation.

Do not use other topical prescription or over-the-counter products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor.

Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area being treated.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

More Benzamycin resources

• Benzamycin Side Effects (in more detail)
• Benzamycin Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Benzamycin Drug Interactions
• Benzamycin Support Group
• 1 Review for Benzamycin - Add your own review/rating

• Benzamycin Gel MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)


• Benzamycin Pak Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Benzamycin Pak Topical Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Compare Benzamycin with other medications

• Acne

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical written for health professionals that you may read.

See also: Benzamycin side effects (in more detail)