Benzoyl Peroxide / Salicylic Acid Topical Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 29, 2023.

Usual Adult Dose for Acne

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads:

• Evening (30 minutes before bedtime): After washing as directed, apply benzoyl peroxide pad to face, distributing medication evenly around the treatment area.
• Morning (before leaving home): After washing as directed, apply salicylic acid pad to face, distributing medication evenly around the treatment area; allow to dry for 3 to 5 minutes.

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: Apply 1 salicylic acid pad and 1 benzoyl peroxide pad to affected areas twice a day or as directed by physician.

Comments:
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads:

• The manufacturer product information should be consulted.
• The skin should be cleansed thoroughly before application of this product.
• The entire affected area should be covered with a thin layer 1 to 3 times a day.
• As excessive drying of the skin may occur, starting with 1 application once a day is recommended; may gradually increase to 2 to 3 times a day if needed or as directed by physician
• Application should be reduced to once a day or every other day if bothersome dryness/peeling occurs; irritation may be reduced by using the product less often or in a lower concentration.
• As a sensitivity test for a new user, may apply sparingly to 1 or 2 small affected areas during the first 3 days; if no discomfort occurs, the recommended directions may be followed.

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads:

• This product is a leave-on acne treatment, intended for use without water or additional cleansers unless otherwise directed by physician.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne

12 years or older:

• Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: Apply 1 salicylic acid pad and 1 benzoyl peroxide pad to affected areas twice a day or as directed by physician.

Comments:

• This product is a leave-on acne treatment, intended for use without water or additional cleansers unless otherwise directed by physician.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:
History of hypersensitivity to either active component or to any of the ingredients

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: This drug is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

• For external use only
• Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mouth; if accidental contact occurs, rinse the exposed area with water.
• Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads: Avoid scrubbing or strong pressure while applying each pad.

General:

• Contact with hair, fabrics, or any colored material may result in bleaching or discoloration.
• Skin irritation and dryness more likely if another topical acne agent is used concurrently; if irritation occurs, use of only 1 topical acne agent is recommended.

Patient advice:

• As benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching on contact, avoid hair, clothing, and eyes.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen when in sunlight; if irritation or sensitivity develops, stop this drug and contact physician.
• Discontinue use and notify physician if excessive irritation, scaling, erythema, or edema occurs.

Further information

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

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