Benzoyl Peroxide use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Benzoyl Peroxide: Epiduo, Benzaclin, Acne Treatment, Onexton, Oxy-10, Epiduo Forte, Acanya, PanOxyl, Benzamycin, Duac, Show all 140 »PR Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, Aktipak, Clearskin, BPO, Brevoxyl, BenzePro, Benzac, PanOxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash, Lavoclen-4 Creamy Wash, Benzamycin Pak, NuOx, BPS Gel, ZoDerm, BP Cleansing Lotion, Brevoxyl-4, Cleanse & Treat, Benzac AC, Fostex Wash 10%, Breze, Triaz, Benprox, Persa-Gel, Desquam-E, Benzagel, Benoxyl 10, ACNE MEDICATION 10, Ethexderm, Loroxide, Brevoxyl Creamy Wash, Acne-Clear, Benziq, Brevoxyl-8, RE Benzoyl Peroxide, Clearasil DailyClear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream, BPO Gel, Binora, BenzEFoam Ultra, Benzac AC Wash, Oxy Spot Treatment, Dermisa Acne Treatment, BPO Foaming Cloths, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Benzashave, Lavoclen-8 Creamy Wash, Oscion, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, NeoBenz Micro SD, Inova, Oscion Cleanser, NeoBenz Micro, SE BPO, BenzEFoam, Acne & Blackhead Terminator, Sulfoxyl Regular, Inova 8/2, Inova 4/1, BeyondClear, Cleanse & Treat Plus, Benziq Wash, Vanoxide-HC, Bencort, BPS, BenzaClin Carekit, Zacare, Z-Clinz 10, Z-Clinz 5, Neuac, Sulfoxyl Strong, Peroderm, NeoBenz Micro Wash Plus Pack, Acne Control Cleanser, Pacnex MX Wash, Pacnex HP, EthexDERM BPW, Clear By Design, Benziq LS, Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Moisturiser, Desquam-X 5, Benzac W, Desquam-X 10, Delos, BPO 3 Foaming Cloths, PanOxyl 3% Advanced Acne Spot Treatment, PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash, Peroderm 7 Wash, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne, Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, Neutrogena Clear Pore Daily Scrub, ACNE MEDICATION 5, Persa-Gel W, SoluCLENZ Rx, NeoBenz Micro Cream Plus Pack, Fostex BPO, Pacnex, Alquam-X Acne Therapy Gel, BP Wash, Acnomel BP 5, Acetoxyl, Benzagel-5, Benzagel-10, Oxy Daily Wash, Lavoclen-4, Lavoclen-8, Oxy Balance, Vanoxide, BPO-5 Wash, Zaclir, BPO-10 Wash, Oxy 10 Balance, BP Foaming Wash, Benzagel Wash, Clinac BPO, Seba-Gel, BPO 9 Foaming Cloths, Oxy Vanishing Gel, BPO 6 Foaming Cloths, Fostex Gel 10%, Riax, Fostex Bar 10%, Acne-10, Zeroxin, OC8, Peroxin A, Del-Aqua, Ben-Aqua, Benoxyl 5, Desquam-X Wash, Peroxin A 10, Clearplex, ZoDerm Redi-Pads

Medically reviewed on July 2, 2018

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. 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

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

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

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