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Benzoyl Peroxide use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Benzoyl Peroxide: Epiduo, Benzaclin, Duac, Benzamycin, Acetoxyl, Acne Treatment, Onexton, PanOxyl, Acne-Clear, Epiduo Forte, Show all 141 »BenzePro, Benzac, Oxy-10, Benzac AC, Dermisa Acne Treatment, Acanya, ZoDerm, BenzEFoam, BPO Gel, NeoBenz Micro SD, Peroxin A 10, Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne, PR Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, Lavoclen-4, Brevoxyl, Benzagel, Zeroxin, Loroxide, Binora, Clearasil DailyClear Vanishing Acne Treatment Cream, RE Benzoyl Peroxide, BenzEFoam Ultra, BP Cleansing Lotion, Benzac AC Wash, Brevoxyl-8, Brevoxyl-4, EthexDERM BPW, Oxy Spot Treatment, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Benzashave, Lavoclen-8 Creamy Wash, Lavoclen-4 Creamy Wash, Oscion, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, Inova, Oscion Cleanser, NeoBenz Micro, BPO Foaming Cloths, Benziq Wash, Triaz, Benziq, SE BPO, BenzaClin Carekit, Acne & Blackhead Terminator, Cleanse & Treat Plus, Peroderm, BPS Gel, NuOx, Sulfoxyl Strong, Sulfoxyl Regular, BPS, Zacare, Inova 8/2, Inova 4/1, BeyondClear, Cleanse & Treat, Vanoxide-HC, Pacnex HP, Bencort, Benzamycin Pak, Aktipak, Oxy Balance, Z-Clinz 10, Z-Clinz 5, Neuac, NeoBenz Micro Wash Plus Pack, Enzoclear Foam, Acne Control Cleanser, Pacnex MX Wash, Benziq LS, Oxy Vanishing Gel, BPO-5 Wash, SoluCLENZ Rx, Persa-Gel, Delos, BPO 3 Foaming Cloths, Benprox, PanOxyl 3% Advanced Acne Spot Treatment, PanOxyl 4% Acne Creamy Wash, PanOxyl 10% Acne Foaming Wash, Peroderm 7 Wash, Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, Neutrogena Clear Pore Daily Scrub, Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Moisturiser, ACNE MEDICATION 5, Clearskin, Desquam-E, ACNE MEDICATION 10, NeoBenz Micro Cream Plus Pack, Fostex BPO, Pacnex, Alquam-X Acne Therapy Gel, BP Wash, Acnomel BP 5, Breze, BPO, Benzagel-5, Benzagel-10, Oxy Daily Wash, Desquam-X 10, Benzac W, Zaclir, Fostex Wash 10%, BPO-10 Wash, Oxy 10 Balance, BP Foaming Wash, Ethexderm, Benzagel Wash, Clinac BPO, Brevoxyl Creamy Wash, Seba-Gel, BPO 9 Foaming Cloths, BPO 6 Foaming Cloths, Vanoxide, Clear By Design, Fostex Gel 10%, Desquam-X 5, Fostex Bar 10%, Benoxyl 10, Acne-10, OC8, Peroxin A, Del-Aqua, Ben-Aqua, Benoxyl 5, Desquam-X Wash, Clearplex, Riax, Lavoclen-8, Persa-Gel W, ZoDerm Redi-Pads

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2020.

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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