Benzoyl Peroxide use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzaclin, Epiduo, Duac, Acanya, Acne Treatment, Benzamycin, Oxy-10, Zeroxin, PanOxyl, Triaz, Show all 117 »Benzac, Brevoxyl, BenzEFoam, Benzac AC, Persa-Gel, NeoBenz Micro Wash Plus Pack, Peroxin A, PanOxyl Maximum Strength Foaming Acne Wash, Benzagel, Panoxyl 10, Brevoxyl Creamy Wash, Clinac BPO, Seba-Gel, ZoDerm, Benzamycin Pak, Desquam-X Wash, Cleanse & Treat, Zaclir, Benzashave, Oscion, Inova, Benziq, Clearskin, Lavoclen-4 Creamy Wash, Binora, Ethexderm, Oxy 10 Balance, Zacare, Vanoxide, Loroxide, Oscion Cleanser, NeoBenz Micro, Lavoclen-4, Pacnex, Peroderm 7 Wash, EthexDERM BPW, Benzac W, Peroderm, NuOx, Sulfoxyl Regular, Z-Clinz 10, Vanoxide-HC, Bencort, Peroxin A 10, Oxy Vanishing Gel, Acne-Clear, Panoxyl Aqua Gel, Benoxyl 5, Panoxyl AQ 10, Desquam-E, Clearplex, Breze, Fostex Bar 10%, BPO Gel, Delos, Acetoxyl, BP Wash, BPO 6 Foaming Cloths, BPO Foaming Cloths, BenzEFoam Ultra, BPO 9 Foaming Cloths, Acnomel BP 5, Clearasil DailyClear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream, RE Benzoyl Peroxide, SE BPO, Alquam-X Acne Therapy Gel, BPO 3 Foaming Cloths, Sulfoxyl Strong, Inova 8/2, Inova 4/1, ZoDerm Redi-Pads, BenzaClin Carekit, Cleanse & Treat Plus, Z-Clinz 5, BPS Gel, Brevoxyl-8, Persa-Gel W, Desquam-X 5, Ben-Aqua, Del-Aqua, Benoxyl 10, Acne-10, Panoxyl 5, Panoxyl AQ 5, Fostex BPO, Benprox, Oxy Daily Wash, Brevoxyl-4, Panoxyl AQ 2.5, Desquam-X 10, Neutrogena Acne Mask, Fostex Gel 10%, Lavoclen-8 Creamy Wash, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Oxy Spot Treatment, SoluCLENZ Rx, Lavoclen-8, NeoBenz Micro SD, Benziq Wash, Clear By Design, Fostex Wash 10%, Neutrogena On Spot Acne Treatment, Benzagel Wash, Benziq LS, Oxy Balance, Dermisa Acne Treatment

Benzoyl Peroxide Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Topical benzoyl peroxide has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because only about 5% is absorbed following topical application, it is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.[1][2] Ensure that the infant's skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated. Only water-miscible cream products should be applied to the breast because ointments may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins via licking.[3]

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible Effects on Lactation

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

(Acne) Azeleic Acid, Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Tretinoin

References

1. Leachman SA, Reed BR. The use of dermatologic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Dermatol Clin. 2006;24:167-97. PMID: 16677965

2. Zip C. Common sense dermatological drug suggestions for women who are breast-feeding. Skin Therapy Lett. 2002;7:5-7. PMID: 12007012

3. Noti A, Grob K, Biedermann M et al. Exposure of babies to C(15)-C(45) mineral paraffins from human milk and breast salves. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2003;38:317-25. PMID: 14623482

Benzoyl Peroxide Identification

Substance Name

Benzoyl Peroxide

CAS Registry Number

94-36-0

Drug Class

• Dermatologic Agents
• Peroxides

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

540

Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.

Last Revision Date

2010-02-12

Disclaimer

Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

See Also...

• Benzoyl peroxide topical use during Pregnancy
• Benzoyl Peroxide Bar Consumer Information
• Breastfeeding Support Group
• Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
• Medicine use while Breastfeeding
• Medicine use during Pregnancy

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.