Pricing
Prices are indicative MRP and may vary by pharmacy. Trend compares against the last recorded price.
All price changes →Indications & Uses
Oxigel Wash is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Acne vulgaris starts with inflammation in the pilosebaceous gland, the small unit made up of a hair follicle and its sebaceous (oil) gland. Acne is generally caused by more sebum being released from these glands, by hormones such as androgens, by keratin building up around the follicles, by bacterial growth, and by inflammation. Together these factors lead to comedones, which are the whiteheads and blackheads most people recognise.
Benzoyl peroxide works by splitting its peroxide bond to form 2 benzoyloxy radicals. These radicals react with bacterial proteins in a non-specific way, which disrupts how the bacteria function and makes it harder for them to survive. With continued use, these free radical reactions with bacterial proteins reduce the keratin and sebum around the follicles. Benzoyl peroxide also speeds up the turnover of epithelial cells, so the skin sheds more quickly, which can cause some peeling and helps break down comedones.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Shake well before use. Start treatment by washing the affected areas with Benzoyl Peroxide once daily for the first week, increasing to twice daily thereafter as tolerated. Wet the skin to be treated, apply the wash, work it into a full lather, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. How often it's used can be adjusted to achieve the desired clinical response. Close the cap tightly after each use.
Children: Safety and effectiveness in children under 12 years of age have not been established.
Side Effects
Allergic contact dermatitis and dryness have been reported with topical Benzac use. If noticeable scaling, redness or swelling develops, treatment should be stopped and suitable care given. Cool compresses can help these effects settle more quickly. Once the reaction has cleared, it is often possible to resume Benzac at a lower dosage schedule, provided the reaction is not thought to be a true allergy.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
For external use only. Keep out of the reach of children. Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, lips and mucous membranes; if contact happens by accident, rinse the area thoroughly with water. Contact with colored material, including fabric and hair, may cause discoloration. While using Benzac, avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen. If it is accidentally swallowed, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately. Information for Patients: Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, lips and mucous membranes. This medicine may discolor hair and fabrics. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen, and oil-free make-up is recommended. If severe irritation develops, stop using it and consult your physician. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis and Impairment of Fertility: Studies in a strain of mice highly prone to developing cancer suggest that Benzac acts as a tumor promoter, though the clinical significance of this finding for humans is not known. Benzac has not been found to be mutagenic in the Ames test, and no published data indicate that it impairs fertility.
Contraindications
Benzoyl Peroxide should not be used by anyone who is known to be hypersensitive (allergic) to it.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Category C. No animal reproductive studies have been carried out with benzoyl peroxide, and it is not known whether the drug can cause fetal harm when used by a pregnant woman or whether it can affect reproductive capacity. It should therefore be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. No data are available on how benzoyl peroxide might affect the later growth, development, and functional maturation of the unborn child.
Nursing Mothers: It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide passes into human breast milk. Since many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when giving it to a nursing mother.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Benzoyl Peroxide gel is for use on the skin only. Putting on too much won't give faster or better results, and it can cause severe irritation. If that happens, stop the treatment and give suitable symptomatic therapy.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Keep Benzoyl Peroxide in a cool, dry place and away from light.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Oxigel Wash 5%
What is Oxigel Wash 5% Topical Gel?
Oxigel Wash 5% Topical Gel is a medicine that contains Benzoyl Peroxide. It is made by Unimed Unihealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Acne treatment preparations group of medicines.
What is Oxigel Wash used for?
Oxigel Wash is used for: Acne Vulgaris.
What are the side effects of Oxigel Wash?
Allergic contact dermatitis and dryness have been reported with topical Benzac use. If noticeable scaling, redness or swelling develops, treatment should be stopped and suitable care given.
Can I take Oxigel Wash during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Pregnancy: Category C. No animal reproductive studies have been carried out with benzoyl peroxide, and it is not known whether the drug can cause fetal harm when used by a pregnant woman or whether it can affect reproductive capacity. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Oxigel Wash?
Benzoyl Peroxide gel is for use on the skin only. Putting on too much won't give faster or better results, and it can cause severe irritation. In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Oxigel Wash?
Keep Benzoyl Peroxide in a cool, dry place and away from light.
Can I take other medicines with Oxigel Wash?
Some medicines can interact with Benzoyl Peroxide, for example: Tretinoin, Dapsone, Isotretinoin. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Do I need a prescription for Oxigel Wash?
Oxigel Wash is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.