Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide

Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide is a combination medication used for the treatment of Acne Vulgaris.

• Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide is available under the following different brand names: Aktipak, Benzamycin, Benzamycin Pak

Common side effects of Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide include:

• dry skin
• application site reactions (stinging, redness, and burning)
• swollen or puffy eyelids
• itching
• photosensitivity reactions (sunburn, stinging with sun exposure)
• peeling

Serious side effects of Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide include:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• itching
• lightheadedness
• severe redness, burning, stinging, or peeling of treated skin areas
• diarrhea that is watery or bloody

Rare side effects of Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur as a result of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Topical gel

• 3%/5%

Adult dosage

• Acne Vulgaris

Adult Dosage

• Apply topically twice a day (morning and evening) to affected areas after the skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry

Pediatric dosage

• Aged below 12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
• Aged 12 years and above: Apply topically twice a day (morning and evening) to affected areas after the skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, 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.

• Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug 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 this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions, concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Erythromycin Topical-Benzoyl Peroxide?”

Cautions

• For external use only; avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes
• Concomitant topical acne therapy may result in cumulative irritation, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents; if this occurs, discontinue and seek medical advice
• Although limited systemic absorption occurs with topical erythromycin, antibiotics may be associated with the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms; if this occurs, discontinue use and contact the physician.

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use with caution if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution