Benzoyl peroxide topical 

What  is the most important information I should know about benzoyl peroxide topical? 
 
Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical while you are also using tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X). Using these medications together could cause severe skin irritation. 

Use  this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. 
 
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication. 

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.
Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Avoid allowing this medication to come into contact with your hair or clothing.
 
It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. 

What is benzoyl peroxide topical? 

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away from the skin. 

Benzoyl peroxide topical is used to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using benzoyl peroxide topical? 

Do not  use benzoyl  peroxide topical while you are also using tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X). Using these medications together could cause severe  skin irritation.
 
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 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. 

How should I use benzoyl peroxide topical? 

Use this medication exactly as directed on  the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not  use it in larger amounts  or for longer than recommended. 

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.
 
Shake  the lotion well just before each use. 

Clean  and pat dry the skin to be treated. Apply  benzoyl peroxide in a thin layer  and rub in gently.
 
Do not cover  the treated skin area  unless your doctor has told you to. 

Benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied one to three times daily. Follow your doctor's instructions. 

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Avoid allowing this medication to come into contact with your hair or clothing.
  
It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the  medication as directed. Talk with  your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
 
Store benzoyl peroxide topical at room temperature away from moisture  and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose? 

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to apply the medicine and skip the missed dose.  Do not use extra medicine  to make up the missed dose. 

What happens if I overdose? 
 
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of  this medicine. 

An overdose  of benzoyl peroxide applied to  the skin  is not likely  to cause life-threatening symptoms. 

What should I avoid while using benzoyl peroxide topical? 
 
Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse  with water.  Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated,  or broken skin. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication. 

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 using sunscreen containing PABA on the same skin treated with benzoyl peroxide, or skin discoloration may occur. 

What are the possible side effects of  benzoyl peroxide 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 benzoyl peroxide  and call  your doctor at once  if you have severe stinging  or burning of your skin.

Less serious side effects may include: 

• mild burning or stinging; 
• itching or tingly feeling; 
• dryness or peeling of treated skin; or 
• Redness or other irritation.