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BENZOYL PEROXIDE (BEN zoe ill per OX ide) treats acne. It works by killing or preventing the growth of bacteria that cause acne. It belongs to a group of medications called antiseptics.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): BenzePrO, BPO Foaming Cloth, Breze, Inova Easy Pad, Oscion, Pacnex HP, Pacnex LP, Triaz, Zoderm Redi-Pads
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medication is for external use only. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Before using, wash affected area with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Use the medicated pad to apply the medication to the affected area. Do not apply to raw or irritated skin. Avoid getting medication in your eyes, lips, nose, mouth, or other sensitive areas. Do not wash treated areas of skin for at least 1 hour after using the medication. If you experience very dry and peeling skin or skin irritation, talk to your care team.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not use other products that dry the skin. Examples include abrasive cleansers or products with alcohol in them. Do not use other acne products on the same areas of the skin as this one unless your care team tells you to use both.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.
This medication may bleach clothing and fabric.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medications after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.