Skip navigation

Erythromycin and Benzoyl Peroxide Topical

(er ith roe mye' sin) (ben' zoe ill per ox' ide)

Why is this medication prescribed?   Return to top

The combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide is used to treat acne. Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide are in a class of medications called topical antibiotics. The combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that cause acne.

How should this medicine be used?   Return to top

The combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide comes as a gel to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice a day, in the morning and evening. To help you remember to use erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide gel, apply it at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide gel exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

It may take several weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of this medication. Continue to use this medication even if you do not see much improvement at first.

To use the gel, follow these steps:

• Wash the affected areas with a mild soapless cleanser and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
• If your medication comes in a large jar, remove a pea-sized dab with your finger and go on to step 5.
• If your medication comes in small pouches, use scissors or your fingers to tear off the top at the notched tab. Do not open the pouch with your teeth.
• Squeeze the contents of the pouch onto your palm. You will see a clear gel and a white gel. Use your fingertip to blend the gels with 5-10 circular motions.
• Use your fingertips to spread a thin layer of gel evenly over the affected area. Avoid getting the gel in your eyes, nose, mouth, or other body openings. If you do get the gel in your eyes, wash with warm water.
• Look in the mirror. If you see a white film on your skin, you have used too much medication.
• Throw away the empty pouch and wash your hands.

Other uses for this medicine   Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?   Return to top

Before using erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin), benzoyl peroxide (Benzac, Desquam, PanOxyl, Triaz, others), or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention other topical medications for acne. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any medical conditions.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide, call your doctor.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
• ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a moisturizer to keep your skin soft during treatment.
• you should know that Benzamycin Pak is flammable. Do not mix, apply, or store it near an open flame.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?   Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?   Return to top

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?   Return to top

Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry skin
• peeling, itching, stinging, burning, tingling, or redness of the skin
• oily, tender, or discolored skin

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• severe diarrhea
• blood or mucus in the stool
• severe stomach pain or cramps
• swelling of the face or nose
• eye or eyelid irritation and swelling
• hives
• changes in your skin or nails that may be signs of infection with a fungus

Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?   Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Benzamycin Gel in the refrigerator but do not freeze it. If you forget to refrigerate the gel for 1 day, you may refrigerate it when you remember and continue to use it. Store Benzamycin Pak at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any unused Benzamycin Gel after 3 months and any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?   Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Avoid getting erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide gel on your hair or clothing. Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or colored fabric.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names   Return to top

Last Revised - 10/01/2003
Last Reviewed - 10/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services	Page last updated: 26 June 2008