Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide

Pronouncation: (eh-RITH-row-MY-sin/BEN-zoe-il)
Class: Benzoyl peroxide combination

Trade Names:
Benzamycin
- Gel 5% benzoyl peroxide, 3% erythromycin

Pharmacology

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Exact mechanism not known, however, in part, due to antibacterial effect of erythromycin. The keratolytic and desquamative effects of benzoyl peroxide may also be beneficial.

Indications and Usage

Topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

Contraindications

Standard considerations.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and Children older than 12 yr of age

Topical Twice daily, morning and evening, or as directed by health care provider, to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed with warm water and patted dry.

General Advice

For topical use only. Avoid contact with eyes, nose, mouth, and all mucus membranes.
Assess the skin and identify areas where medication is to be applied. Avoid areas that are sunburned, have eczema, abrasions, or cuts.

Storage/Stability

Store in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep container tightly capped. Discard any unused gel after 3 mo.

Drug Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Dermatologic

Dry skin; urticarial reaction; skin irritation and peeling; itching; burning sensation; erythema; inflammation of the face, eyes, and nose; eye irritation; skin discoloration; skin oiliness and tenderness.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Category C .

Lactation

Undetermined; however, erythromycin is excreted in breast milk after oral and parenteral administration.

Children

Safety and efficacy unknown in children.

Patient Information

Advise patient that gel is applied topically to skin lesions twice daily, usually in the morning and evening.
Teach patient proper technique for applying gel: wash hands; cleanse area with mild or soapless cleanser. Rinse and pat dry. Apply a thin film of gel to cover affected skin areas. Wash hands after applying gel.
Warn patient that applying gel more often than prescribed or in excessive quantities will not produce more rapid improvement or better results but will result in greater adverse reactions (eg, redness, scaling, drying).
Warn patient to avoid contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and all mucous membranes.
Advise patient to avoid areas where eczema, abrasions, or cuts exist.
Caution patient that gel may bleach hair or colored fabric.
Advise patient to talk to a health care provider before using any other topical agents (eg, medicated soaps, astringents, cosmetics, other acne products) on treated skin.
Advise patient that if severe dermal reactions occur to stop using the gel and contact health care provider.