Benzoyl Peroxide/Hydrocortisone

Benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone is used to treat acne vulgaris.

Benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone is available under the following different brand names: Vanoxide-HC.

Dosages of Benzoyl Peroxide/Hydrocortisone:

Dosing Forms and Strengths

Topical Lotion

• 5%/0.5%

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Acne Vulgaris

• Adults and children 12 years and older: Apply a thin film to the affected area one to three times daily; massage gently into the skin
• Children under 12 years: Safety and effectiveness not established

Side effects of benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone include:

Benzoyl Peroxide:

• Irritation
• Contact dermatitis
• Dryness
• Redness
• Stinging
• Peeling

Hydrocortisone:

• Acne
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Skin atrophy
• Burning
• Dryness
• Folliculitis
• Excess sweating
• Dark patches/spots on the skin (hypopigmentation)
• Itching
• Irritation
• Sweat rash
• Rash around the mouth
• Secondary infection
• Stretch marks

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone has no listed severe interactions with other drugs.
• Benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone has no listed serious interactions with other drugs.
• Benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone has no listed moderate interactions with other drugs.
• Benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone has no listed mild interactions with other drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone. Do not take Vanoxide-HC if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone or any components
• Patients with viral or fungal diseases of the skin

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Benzoyl Peroxide/Hydrocortisone?”

Long-Term Effects

• May cause suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to an adrenal crisis in young patients or patients receiving large topical doses for prolonged periods
• Incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated with prolonged corticosteroid treatments
• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Benzoyl Peroxide/Hydrocortisone?”

Cautions

• For external use only; avoid contact with the eyes, lips, and mouth
• May cause suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to an adrenal crisis in young patients or patients receiving large topical doses for prolonged periods
• Discontinue use if irritation, redness, itching, swelling, or undue dryness occurs
• The risk of secondary skin infections may increase
• Incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated with prolonged corticosteroid treatments
• Coadministration with other topical acne medications may increase skin irritation and dryness; avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen
• Avoid contact with hair and dyed fabrics (e.g., pillowcases, towels), which may be bleached by this product

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone with caution during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies are not available or neither animal nor human studies were done.
• It is unknown if benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone is excreted into breast milk. Use caution while breastfeeding.