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Benzoyl peroxide

  • This preparation is for the treatment of acne.
  • Do not use near the eyes, mouth, lips, inside of the nose or sensitive areas of the neck.
  • If your skin problem has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks, speak with your doctor.

About benzoyl peroxide

Type of medicine Topical antimicrobial and keratolytic
Used for Treatment of acne
Also called Acnecide®; Brevoxyl®; PanOxyl®
With antibiotics: Duac® Once Daily; Quinoderm®
Available as Cream, gel and liquid wash

Benzoyl peroxide helps to remove bacteria which are the cause of the irritation and inflammation of acne, and also helps to unblock pores by increasing the turnover of skin cells. Benzoyl Peroxide is also sometimes combined with an antibiotic.

Before using benzoyl peroxide

Before using benzoyl peroxide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use benzoyl peroxide

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Use your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor directs or than is recommended on the label.
  • Before applying, wash the affected area with a non-medicated soap and water and then gently pat dry with a towel.
  • Keep this preparation away from the eyes, other mucous membranes, such as the mouth, lips, and inside of the nose and sensitive areas of the neck.
  • Do not apply to open wounds or irritated skin.
  • If you forget to apply this preparation, apply it as soon as you remember, then continue at the usual times.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If your skin problem has not improved within 4 to 6 weeks, speak with your doctor.
  • Keep away from hair and coloured fabrics as this preparation can cause bleaching.
  • Some people may become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally whilst using this medicine. When you first start using this preparation avoid sunbeds and too much sun.

Can benzoyl peroxide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Dryness, peeling of the skin, feeling of warmth, mild stinging, redness of the skin If troublesome, reduce the frequency of application or stop using for a few days until the skin has recovered, then start applying it again but less frequently

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store benzoyl peroxide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3390		 DocRef:
dils2420		 Last Updated:
17 Mar 2008		 Date of Next Review:
17 Mar 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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