Benzoyl Peroxide; Erythromycin skin gel
What is benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin skin gel?
BENZOYL PEROXIDE; ERTHYROMYCIN (Benzamycin®) is applied to the skin to treat mild to moderate inflammatory acne. Generic benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin gel is available.
What should my health care professional know before I use benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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chronic skin problem like eczema
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skin abrasions
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sunburn
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an unusual or allergic reaction to benzoic acid, cinnamon, erythromycin, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
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pregnant or trying to get pregnant
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breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin is for external use only, apply only to the skin. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not apply to raw or irritated skin. Avoid getting medicine in your eyes, lips, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. Before applying, wash the affected area with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Apply enough medication to cover the area and rub in gently.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, apply as soon as possible and then continue with your regular schedule. Do not use extra doses, or use for a longer period of time than directed by your prescriber or health care professional.
What drug(s) may interact with benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin?
Do not apply any other acne preparation to the affected areas unless otherwise directed. Also check with your health care professional regarding the use of this product if you are taking an oral medication for acne.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other skin preparations, prescription and non-prescription, you are using. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or staring any of your medicines.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin?
Your acne may get worse during the first few weeks of treatment with this medication, and then start to improve. It may take 8 to 12 weeks before you see the full beneficial effect. If you do not see any improvement within 4—6 weeks, call your prescriber or health care professional.
Once you see a decrease in your acne, you may need to continue to use benzoyl peroxide products to control it.
Do not wash areas of skin treated with benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin for at least 1 hour after applying the medicine. If you experience excessive dry and peeling skin or skin irritation, check with your prescriber or health care professional.
Do not use the following products on the same areas that you are treating with benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin, unless otherwise directed by your prescriber or health care professional: medicated cosmetics, cosmetics that dry the skin (especially products that contain alcohol), rough soaps or cleaners, and any other acne preparation or skin treatment. If you use these products in combination with benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin they can increase your chances of having skin irritation.
Benzoyl peroxide can increase sensitivity of the skin to sun or UV light. Keep out of the sun, or wear protective clothing outdoors and use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Do not use sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
Benzoyl peroxide products may bleach hair or colored fabrics. Avoid getting this product on your clothes.
What side effects may I notice from using benzoyl peroxide; erythromycin?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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increased sensitivity to the sun
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mild to moderate skin irritation, dryness or peeling
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mild to moderate skin burning or stinging
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not use past the 3 month expiration date. The expiration date will be applied to the medication container by your pharmacist.