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

Benzoyl peroxide topical is used to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Use benzoyl peroxide topical exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply benzoyl peroxide topical. Apply the medication to the affected area.

Shake lotions well before use.

When applying benzoyl peroxide topical, avoid the eyes, the inside of the nose and mouth, the lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get medication on any of these areas, rinse it off with water.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions worse. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Do not cover the affected area after applying benzoyl peroxide topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.

Benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied one to three times daily.

Contact your doctor if you experience excessive burning, dryness, or irritation. Less frequent administration of the medication may be necessary.

It may take several weeks or more to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using benzoyl peroxide topical if you do not see results immediately.

Store benzoyl peroxide topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical during treatment with tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A). The combination could lead to severe skin irritation.

Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of benzoyl peroxide topical.

Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with benzoyl peroxide topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions worse. 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 other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of benzoyl peroxide topical.

Do not cover the area after applying benzoyl peroxide topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.

Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area being treated.

Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching.

Avoid combining sunscreen containing PABA and benzoyl peroxide. Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.

An overdose of benzoyl peroxide topical is unlikely to occur. If an overdose is suspected, or if benzoyl peroxide topical has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the next regularly scheduled dose.

Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using benzoyl peroxide topical.

Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzoyl peroxide topical may cause bleaching.

Avoid combining sunscreen containing PABA and benzoyl peroxide. Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions worse. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical during treatment with tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A). The combination could lead to severe skin irritation.

Benzoyl peroxide topical is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether benzoyl peroxide topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your pharmacist has additional information about benzoyl peroxide topical written for health professionals that you may read.

Benzoyl peroxide topical is available with a prescription and over the counter under many brand and generic names in liquids, lotions, creams, gels, facial masks, and soaps. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.