Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical

Generic name: benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical [ BEN-zoe-ill-per-OX-ide-and-er-ith-roe-MYE-sin ]
Brand names: Benzamycin, Benzamycin Pak, Aktipak
Dosage form: topical gel (5%-3%)
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 12, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

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.

Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical side effects

Benzoyl peroxide can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. These reactions may occur just a few minutes after you apply the medicine, or within a day or longer afterward.

Stop using benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe redness, burning, stinging, or peeling of treated skin areas; or

• diarrhea that is watery or bloody.

Common side effects of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical may include:

• mild burning or stinging;

• itching or tingly feeling;

• dryness or peeling of treated skin; or

• redness or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, clindamycin topical, erythromycin topical, tetracycline, Tazorac

Warnings

This medicine can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or erythromycin (Akne-Mycin, Eryderm, Erythrocin, Pediazole, and others).

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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.

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes, mouth, or nose (or in the creases of your nose), or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not apply this medicine to sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

Do not cover the treated skin 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 before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Apply to affected areas twice a day (morning and evening), or as directed by physician.

Comments:
-This drug should be applied after skin is thoroughly washed, rinsed with warm water, and gently patted dry.
-Aktipak requires thorough mixing by the patient immediately before each use.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

12 years or older: Apply to affected areas twice a day (morning and evening), or as directed by physician.

Comments:
-This drug should be applied after skin is thoroughly washed, rinsed with warm water, and gently patted dry.
-Aktipak requires thorough mixing by the patient immediately before each use.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

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 not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while taking 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 medicine.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Antibiotic medicines can cause diarrhea, which may be a sign of a new infection. If you have diarrhea that is watery or bloody, stop using benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical and call your doctor. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. This medication can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid using sunscreen containing PABA on the same skin treated with benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin topical, or skin discoloration may occur.

Benzoyl peroxide can bleach hair or fabrics. Do not let this medicine come into contact with clothing, hair, or colored towels or bed linens.

What other drugs will affect 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.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.02.