What is benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical?
Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that decreases
oiliness of the skin.
When sulfur is applied topically, it causes drying and peeling of the skin. This allows excess oils
and dirt to be easily washed away.
Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical is used to treat acne.
Benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical 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 sulfur topical?
Do not use benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped,
or irritated skin. It could make these conditions much worse. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide and
sulfur topical in wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this
medication.
Do not use benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical during treatment with tretinoin (Retin-A). The
combination could lead to severe skin irritation.
It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical will harm an unborn baby. Do
not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical passes into breast milk. Do
not use benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should I take benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical?
Use benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the
instructions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical.
Apply the medication to the affected area.
When applying benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical, avoid your eyes, the inside of your nose
and mouth, your lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get
medication in any of these areas, rinse it off with water.
Do not cover the affected area after applying benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical. Doing so
could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by your body and could be harmful.
It may take several weeks or more to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using benzoyl
peroxide and sulfur topical if you do not see results immediately.
Apply benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical less often if you experience excessive burning,
dryness, or irritation.
Store benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only your next regularly scheduled dose.
Where can I get more information about benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical?
Your pharmacist has information about benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical?
Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical
and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; or hives).
You may experience some burning, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, dryness, peeling, or
irritation while you are using benzoyl peroxide topical. If these side effects are excessive, apply benzoyl
peroxide and sulfur topical less often.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side
effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. 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 sulfur topical?
Do not use benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped,
or irritated skin or on an open wound.
Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using benzoyl peroxide and sulfur
topical.
Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching.
Avoid combining PABA-containing sunscreens and benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical.
Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.
What should I avoid while taking benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical?
Do not use benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped,
or irritated skin or on open wounds.
Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so
by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of benzoyl peroxide and sulfur
topical.
Do not cover the area after applying benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical. Doing so could
cause too much medicine to be absorbed by your body and could be harmful.
Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are
treating.
Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching.
Avoid combining PABA-containing sunscreens and benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical.
Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.
What other drugs will affect benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical?
Do not use benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical during treatment with tretinoin (Retin-A). The
combination could lead to severe skin irritation.
Do not use other topical prescription or over-the-counter products unless directed to do so by
your doctor. They may interfere with your treatment or increase irritation to your skin.
Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are
treating.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of benzoyl peroxide and sulfur topical?
