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Benzagel (Benzoyl Peroxide Gel): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings

Benzagel

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 1/12/2022

Drug Summary

What Is Benzagel?

Benzagel (benzoyl peroxide gel) is a topical (for the skin) antibacterial agent that also has a mild drying effect used to treat acne. Benzagel is available in generic form.

What Are Side Effects of Benzagel?

Common side effects of Benzagel include:

  • skin reactions such as peeling,
  • itching,
  • irritation,
  • stinging,
  • burning,
  • tingly feeling,
  • dryness,
  • flaking, and
  • redness, especially at the start of treatment

Dosage for Benzagel

Wash and dry affected areas prior to application of the dose of Benzgel. Apply sparingly one or more times daily. It is not likely other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied Benzagel.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Benzagel?

But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you use.

Benzagel During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

During pregnancy, Benzagel should be used only when prescribed. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Benzagel (benzoyl peroxide gel) Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Benzagel

Each gram of 5 Benzagel (benzoyl peroxide gel) and 10 Benzagel contains 50 mg and 100 mg respectively, of benzoyl peroxide in a gel vehicle of purified water, carbomer 940, 14% alcohol, sodium hydroxide, docusate sodium and fragrances.

Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial and keratolytic agent. The structural formula is:

Hydrous Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzagel (Benzoyl Peroxide) structural formula illustration

Uses for Benzagel

5 & 10 Benzagel (benzoyl peroxide gel) may be used alone topically for mild to moderate acne and as an adjunct in acne treatment regimens which might include retinoic acid products, systemic antibiotics, and/or sulfur and salicylic acid containing preparations. The active ingredient, benzoyl peroxide, exerts a desquamative and antibacterial action. It provides mild peeling and keratolytic activity.

Dosage for Benzagel

Wash and dry affected areas prior to application. Apply sparingly one or more times daily.

HOW SUPPLIED

5 Benzagel (benzoyl peroxide gel) is available in 1.5 oz. (42.5g)
(NDC 0066-0430-15) plastic tubes;

10 Benzagel (benzoyl peroxide gel) is available in 1.5 oz. (42.5 g)
(NDC 0066-0431-15) plastic tubes.

5 Benzagel contains 50 mg of benzoyl peroxide per gram and 10 Benzagel contains 100 mg of benzoyl peroxide per gram.

Store at Controlled Room Temperature 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) [See USP].

Revised October 2006. Mfd for: Dermik Laboratories, a business of sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC., Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

Side Effects for Benzagel

Irritation and contact dermatitis are the most frequent side reactions to benzoyl peroxide.

Drug Interactions for Benzagel

No information provided.

Warnings for Benzagel

If itching, redness, burning, swelling or undue dryness occurs, discontinue use.

Precautions for Benzagel

For external use only. Not for ophthalmic use. Keep away from eyes and mucosae. Very fair individuals should begin with a single application at bedtime allowing overnight medication. May bleach colored fabrics. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential.

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with benzoyl peroxide. It is also not known whether benzoyl peroxide can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Benzoyl peroxide should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when benzoyl peroxide is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients under the age of 12 have not been established.

Overdose Information for Benzagel

No information provided.

Contraindications for Benzagel

Benzagel (benzoyl peroxide gel) should not be used by patients having known sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide or any of its components.

Clinical Pharmacology for Benzagel

Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent which has been shown to be effective against Propionibacterium acnes. This action is believed to be responsible for its usefulness in acne. One study in the rhesus monkey demonstrated a percutaneous absorption of about 1.8 µg per cm2 of benzoyl peroxide or 45% of the applied dose in a 24-hour period. The absorbed benzoyl peroxide was completely converted in the skin to benzoic acid.

Patient Information for Benzagel

No information provided. Please refer to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.