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Benzoyl Peroxide use while Breastfeeding

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 11, 2021.

Drugs containing Benzoyl Peroxide: Epiduo, Acne Treatment, Acetoxyl, Benzaclin, Epiduo Forte, Epsolay, PanOxyl, Benzamycin, Benzac, Onexton, Show all 146 »Duac, Acanya, Twyneo, PR Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, PanOxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash, Benoxyl 5, Brevoxyl, Benzamycin Pak, Clearskin, PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash, Benzagel, Peroxin A, OC8, Oxy-10, Acne-Clear, Benziq, Benzac AC, BPO Gel, Acne & Blackhead Terminator, BenzEFoam, Enzoclear Foam, BeyondClear, BPS Gel, Adainzde, Adainzoxia, Oxy Daily Wash, Benzagel-10, Benzagel-5, BPO, Breze, Acnomel BP 5, BP Wash, Alquam-X Acne Therapy Gel, Pacnex, Fostex BPO, NeoBenz Micro Cream Plus Pack, ACNE MEDICATION 10, SoluCLENZ Rx, ACNE MEDICATION 5, Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Moisturiser, Neutrogena Clear Pore Daily Scrub, Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne, Peroderm 7 Wash, PanOxyl 3% Advanced Acne Spot Treatment, Benprox, BPO 3 Foaming Cloths, Delos, Persa-Gel, Desquam-X 10, Desquam-E, Benzac W, Desquam-X 5, Lavoclen-4, Persa-Gel W, Lavoclen-8, Riax, Clearplex, Peroxin A 10, BenzePro, Desquam-X Wash, Ben-Aqua, Del-Aqua, Zeroxin, Acne-10, Benoxyl 10, Fostex Bar 10%, Fostex Gel 10%, Fostex Wash 10%, Clear By Design, Loroxide, Vanoxide, BPO 6 Foaming Cloths, Oxy Vanishing Gel, BPO 9 Foaming Cloths, Seba-Gel, Brevoxyl Creamy Wash, Clinac BPO, Benzagel Wash, Ethexderm, BP Foaming Wash, Oxy 10 Balance, BPO-10 Wash, Zaclir, BPO-5 Wash, Oxy Balance, Benziq LS, Triaz, Benziq Wash, EthexDERM BPW, NeoBenz Micro, Oscion Cleanser, Inova, NeoBenz Micro SD, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, Oscion, Lavoclen-4 Creamy Wash, Lavoclen-8 Creamy Wash, Benzashave, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Oxy Spot Treatment, Dermisa Acne Treatment, Brevoxyl-4, Brevoxyl-8, Benzac AC Wash, BP Cleansing Lotion, BenzEFoam Ultra, Binora, Clearasil DailyClear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream, RE Benzoyl Peroxide, SE BPO, BPO Foaming Cloths, Pacnex HP, Pacnex MX Wash, Acne Control Cleanser, NeoBenz Micro Wash Plus Pack, Neuac, Z-Clinz 5, Z-Clinz 10, Onzdeoxia, BenzaClin Carekit, Aktipak, Bencort, Vanoxide-HC, Cleanse & Treat Plus, Cleanse & Treat, Inova 4/1, Inova 8/2, Zacare, BPS, Sulfoxyl Regular, Sulfoxyl Strong, NuOx, Peroderm, ZoDerm Redi-Pads, ZoDerm

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 or gel 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.

Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

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

Alternate Drugs to Consider

(Acne) Azelaic 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. [PubMed: 16677965]
2.
Zip C. Common sense dermatological drug suggestions for women who are breast-feeding. Skin Therapy Lett. 2002;7:5-7. [PubMed: 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. [PubMed: 14623482]

Substance Identification

Substance Name

Benzoyl Peroxide

CAS Registry Number

94-36-0

Drug Class

  • Breast Feeding
  • Lactation
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Peroxides

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.

Further information

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