Informational only — Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider.

Community data Updated 2 months ago

Indications

Benzac is used to treat mild to moderate acne (acne vulgaris) on the skin. It can be applied alongside other acne treatments, such as products containing retinoic acid, antibiotics, or sulfur/salicylic acid.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Acne vulgaris is caused by inflammation in the pilosebaceous gland. Acne is generally caused by increased excretion of sebum from pilosebaceous glands, endocrine factors such as androgenic hormones, keratin developing around follicles, bacterial growth, and inflammation. These factors contribute to the formation of comedones (whiteheads and blackheads). The peroxide bond of benzoyl peroxide is cleaved to form 2 benzoyloxy radicals. These radicals interact nonspecifically with bacterial proteins, interfering with their function, and survival of the bacteria. Over time, free radical interactions with bacterial proteins lead to decreased keratin and sebum around follicles. Benzoyl peroxide can also increase the turnover rate of epithelial cells, leading to skin peeling, and breaking down comedones.

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.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor 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 & Interactions

Side Effects

No side-effect data recorded yet.