Benzoyl Peroxide is a prescription medicine. Primarily, it is used for the treatment of Pimples. Other than this, Benzoyl Peroxide has some other therapeutic uses, which have been discussed ahead.
Medical history of the patient along with age and gender determines the dosage of Benzoyl Peroxide. Besides the medical condition it is advised for, the route of administration also plays an important role in determining the correct drug dosage. For detailed information on this, read through the dosage section.
The side effects typically associated with Benzoyl Peroxide include Skin Peeling. While these are the most often observed Benzoyl Peroxide side effects, there are can be others also. These have been listed below. Normally, these side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide are not long lasting and go away when the treatment is finished. Please speak with your doctor if these side effects worsen or persist for a longer duration.
Furthermore, you should know that effect of Benzoyl Peroxide is Unknown for pregnant women and Unknown for women who are breastfeeding. It is important to know if Benzoyl Peroxide has any effect on the kidney, liver and heart. Information on such adverse effects, if any, has been given in the Benzoyl Peroxide related warnings section.
Other contraindications of Benzoyl Peroxide have been discussed in the sections ahead.
Besides this, Benzoyl Peroxide may also have severe interaction with some medicines. Refer to the list below for further details.
Along with the above-mentioned precautions, remember that taking Benzoyl Peroxide is considered safe while driving, and is addictive.
Benzoyl Peroxide is used to treat the following -
Main Benefits
Other Benefits
This is the usual dosage recommended in most common treatment cases. Please remember that every patient and their case is different, so the dosage can be different based on the disease, route of administration, patient's age and medical history.
Find the right dosage based on disease and age
| Age Group | Dosage |
| Adult |
|
| Geriatric |
|
| 13 - 18 years (Adolescent) |
|
Based on research, the following side effects have been observed when Benzoyl Peroxide is used -
Severe
Moderate
Mild
Common
Unknown
Is the use of Benzoyl Peroxide safe for pregnant women?
No research has been done to ascertain the safety of Benzoyl Peroxide in pregnant women. If you are pregnant, it is best to ask a doctor to know if you can take it.
Is the use of Benzoyl Peroxide safe during breastfeeding?
No research work has been carried out till date on effect of Benzoyl Peroxide on breastfeeding women. So it is not known whether taking Benzoyl Peroxide will cause side effects or not.
What is the effect of Benzoyl Peroxide on the Kidneys?
In the absence of any research, there are no known side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide on kidneys.
What is the effect of Benzoyl Peroxide on the Liver?
There is no research available on the side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide on the liver. Therefore, its impact is unknown.
What is the effect of Benzoyl Peroxide on the Heart?
In the absence of any scientific study on the side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide on the heart, information on safety of Benzoyl Peroxide for the heart is unavailable.
Benzoyl Peroxide should not be taken with following medicines due to severe side effects it may cause to patients -
Moderate
If you are suffering from any of the following diseases, you should not take Benzoyl Peroxide unless your doctor advises you to do so -
Is this Benzoyl Peroxide habit forming or addictive?
No, you will not get addicted to Benzoyl Peroxide.
Is it safe to drive or operate heavy machinery when consuming?
Yes, you can comfortably use machinery or drive after taking Benzoyl Peroxide since it will not make you feel sleepy.
Is it safe?
Benzoyl Peroxide should be used only after doctor's advice.
Is it able to treat mental disorders?
No, the use of Benzoyl Peroxide in mental disorders is not effective.
Interaction between Food and Benzoyl Peroxide
Due to the absence of research, it is difficult to say how Benzoyl Peroxide and food will interact.
Interaction between Alcohol and Benzoyl Peroxide
Information about the interaction of Benzoyl Peroxide and alcohol is not currently available because this topic has not been researched yet.
Benzoyl Peroxide contains benzoyl peroxide which is an oxidizing agent. It is presumed that Benzoyl Peroxide works by releasing oxygen free radicals that oxidize the bacterial protein that kills the bacteria. It also reduces the swelling and promotes the peeling of skin which makes the skin surface smooth and helps in resolution of comedones. It is active against bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as Propionibacterium acnes) that cause acne vulgaris.
No, Benzoyl Peroxide does not treats blackheads because they are not caused by the bacteria and also they are not inflammatory in nature. Hence Benzoyl Peroxide is not helpful in treating blackheads but it can prevent the formation of blackheads which are caused by acne (spots).
Yes, Benzoyl Peroxide might be helpful in treating whiteheads that are due to spots because it can reduce the inflammation in the affected area and it also helps in clearing the clogged prores through skin peeling which prevents whiteheads and promotes their removal as well.
Benzoyl Peroxide is a brand name of benzoyl peroxide and it comes in the form of topical cream and gel. It belongs to the class of drugs known as keratolytic agents. It is an over the counter drug that is used for the treatment of acne vulgaris (pimples) caused by bacteria Cutibacterium acnes. It also helps in treating moderate acne (spots) by reducing the number of spots and stopping the formation of new blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
Yes, Benzoyl Peroxide can cause redness of the skin at the site of application. It is a common side effect of this drug. This effect is harmless and reversible in nature and it goes away after discontinuation of this drug.
This medicine data has been created by -
B.Pharma, Pharmacy
5 Years of Experience
