Benzoyl Peroxide/Sulfur Gel
Generic name: Benzoyl Peroxide/Sulfur Gel [ BEN-zoe-il-per-OX-ide/SULL-fer ]
Brand name: NuOx
Drug class: Topical acne agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 14, 2024.
Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide/Sulfur Gel:
- It is used to treat pimples (acne).
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Benzoyl Peroxide/Sulfur Gel?
- If you have an allergy to benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or any other part of benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel.
- If you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel; any part of benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Benzoyl Peroxide/Sulfur Gel?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Certain acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can rarely cause very bad and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions or very bad irritation. Before first use, you may need to follow certain steps to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. Use benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel as you were told by the doctor or read the package label. Talk with the doctor.
- You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
- Use care when putting on. It may bleach hair or colored fabric.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Benzoyl Peroxide/Sulfur Gel) best taken?
Use benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Do not take benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
- Do not put on open wounds, cuts, or irritated skin.
- Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
- Put a thin layer on the affected part and rub in gently.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
Related/similar drugs
doxycycline, clindamycin topical, erythromycin topical, tetracycline, Tazorac
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very bad skin irritation.
What are some other side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide/Sulfur Gel?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Redness.
- Peeling.
- Skin irritation.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Benzoyl Peroxide/Sulfur Gel?
- Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Keep lid tightly closed.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about benzoyl peroxide/sulfur gel, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
More about benzoyl peroxide / sulfur topical
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (2)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: topical acne agents
Patient resources
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.