Dosage/Direction for Use
Topical/Cutaneous Acne vulgaris Adult: As 2.5-10% preparations: Apply or use 1-2 times daily or as directed to the affected areas. May initiate treatment with lower strength preparations. Dosage recommendations and directions for use may vary among individual products (refer to specific product guideline). Child: ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Recommendations for use in children may vary among individual products (refer to specific product guidelines for further information). |
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity.
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Special Precautions
Application to the neck and other sensitive areas. Concomitant use with other topical acne therapy. Children. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, mouth, lips, and other mucous membranes, or broken skin. Avoid deliberate or prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV radiation; use sunscreen and wear protective clothing. May bleach hair and coloured fabrics; avoid contact with hair, clothing, furniture or carpeting.
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Adverse Reactions
Significant: Increased sensitivity to sunlight, skin peeling, redness, swelling, or dryness; mild burning sensation.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Allergic contact dermatitis.
Potentially Fatal: Rarely, allergic reactions, severe irritation. |
Overdosage
Symptom: Severe skin irritation. Management: Symptomatic treatment. Discontinue use and apply cold compress.
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Drug Interactions
May reduce the efficacy of tretinoin, isotretinoin, and tazarotene. May result in temporary skin and facial hair discolouration (yellow/orange) when used concomitantly with sulfonamide- or sulfone-containing products.
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Action
Benzoyl peroxide is a highly lipophilic oxidising agent that has mild keratolytic effect and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Its antibacterial activity is due to the release of free-radical oxygen which oxidises bacterial protein in the sebaceous follicles reducing the number of anaerobic bacteria and irritating-type free fatty acids.
Absorption: Approx 5% is absorbed through the skin. Metabolism: Metabolised in the skin to benzoic acid. Excretion: Via urine. |
Storage
Topical/Cutaneous: Store between 15-30°C. Storage recommendations may vary among individual products. Refer to specific product guideline.
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CIMS Class
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ATC Classification
D10AE01 - benzoyl peroxide ; Belongs to the class of topical peroxide preparations used in the treatment of acne.
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