Benzoyl peroxide is used to treat Acne. It works by killing the bacteria that cause acne, drying the acne pimples, and helping the skin to peel.

Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide), speak to your doctor. Do not stop using Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Benzoyl peroxide products should be used or applied once or twice daily to the affected area or as directed by your doctor. Start with one application daily and increase to twice daily if needed.

Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, nostrils, lips, mouth, or broken skin.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss an application, apply the medication as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next application, skip that missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not apply more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Store Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• dryness or peeling of the skin (may occur after a few days)
• feeling of warmth, mild stinging, and redness of the skin

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• painful irritation of the skin, including blistering, burning, crusting, itching, severe redness, or swelling
• skin rash

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide).

Do not take Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any ingredients of the medication.

Other topical medications that may potentially dry or irritate the skin may affect how benzoyl peroxide works or increase the risk of side effects.

If you are using any medications that fit this description, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or illegal drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide).

Bleaching effect: Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or coloured fabrics.

Dry skin: If you experience excessive dryness of skin, stop using Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) and talk to your doctor.

Sun sensitivity: Benzoyl peroxide can increase the sensitivity of your skin to the sun. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and do not use sunlamps while you are using Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide). When you are exposed to the sun, be sure to use an adequate sunscreen and wear protective clothing (e.g., hat).

Pregnancy: Benzoyl peroxide should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. Do not apply Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) near or on the breasts if you are breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Benoxyl (Benzoyl-peroxide) have not been established for children less than 12 years of age.