What is benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that allows
excess oil and dirt to be washed away.
Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that causes shedding of the outer layer of skin.
The combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is used to treat severe acne.
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed
in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide (Benzagel, Clear
by Design, Fostex, Oxy-10, Panoxyl, and others) or to salicylic acid (aspirin, Compound W,
Duofilm, Stri-Dex, and others).
Before using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any
drugs.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid passes into breast milk or
if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
This medication is not for use in treating mild forms of acne. The strength of benzoyl
peroxide contained in this medication is higher than that used in many over-the-counter acne
products. Severe skin irritation can result from improper use of this product.
Do not share this medication with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms you
do.
Do not use this medication on anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
How should I take benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in
larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions
on your prescription label.
Apply the medicated pad to clean, dry skin. Use only mild skin cleansers or those your
doctor has prescribed.
This medication can bleach or discolor fabric, hair, or other surfaces it comes in
contact with. Use with care to avoid damaging colored surfaces.
If this medication causes skin irritation, apply a cool compress to your skin (such as a
washcloth wet with cold water) and call your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep each medicated pad in its foil pouch until you are ready to use it.
What happens if I miss a dose of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
Your pharmacist has information about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe skin
irritation.
Less serious side effects may include dry skin or mild irritation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any
unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide (Benzagel, Clear
by Design, Fostex, Oxy-10, Panoxyl, and others) or to salicylic acid (aspirin, Compound W,
Duofilm, Stri-Dex, and others).
This medication is not for use in treating mild forms of acne. The strength of benzoyl
peroxide contained in this medication is higher than that used in many over-the-counter acne
products. Severe skin irritation can result from improper use of this product.
Do not share this medication with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms you
do.
Do not use this medication on anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
What should I avoid while taking benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn
may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out
in the sun.
Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or
skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products
with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your
doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it
does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on
sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.
What other drugs will affect benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?
There may be other drugs that can interact with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Tell
your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a
new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical?