benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical Health Article

Generic name(s):

benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical

Brand name(s):

benzoyl peroxide-erythromycin topical, Benzamycin

What is the most important information I should know about 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 is 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using 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 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.