Dosing & Uses
AdultPediatric
Dosage Forms & Strengths
erythromycin topical/benzoyl peroxide
topical gel
- 3%/5%
Acne Vulgaris
Apply topically BID (morning and evening) to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
Also see Administration
Dosage Forms & Strengths
erythromycin topical/benzoyl peroxide
topical gel
- 3%/5%
Acne Vulgaris
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥12 years: Apply topically BID (morning and evening) to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
Also see Administration
Adverse Effects
1-10%
Dry skin (5-7.6%)
Application site reaction (stinging, erythema, burning) (0.8-2.5%)
Blepharitis (1.7%)
Pruritus (1.7-2.5%)
Photosensitivity (1.3%)
<1%
Skin peeling (<0.5%)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
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 physician
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism by which erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide reduce lesions of acne vulgaris is not fully known
Erythromycin: Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50 S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis
Benzoyl peroxide: Elicits action by releasing active oxygen; effective in vitro against Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobe found in sebaceous follicles and comedones; also elicits a keratolytic and desquamative effect which may also contribute to its efficacy
Pharmacokinetics
Benzoyl peroxide absorbed by the skin where it is converted to benzoic acid
Administration
Topical Preparation
Benzamycin Pak, Aktipak
- Each foil pouch contains the 2 medications in separated compartments
- The content must be mixed thoroughly by the patient, in the palm of the hand, prior to application
- Apply immediately after mixing, then wash hands
Benzamycin
- Prior to dispensing, tap vial until all powder flows freely
- Add indicated amount of room temperature 70% ethyl alcohol to vial (to the mark) and immediately shake to completely dissolve erythromycin
- Add this solution to benzoyl peroxide gel and stir until homogeneous in appearance (60-90 seconds)
Topical Administration
Apply topically BID (morning and evening) to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
May bleach hair or colored fabric
Excessive or prolonged exposure to sunlight should be limited; to minimize exposure to sunlight, a hat or other clothing should be worn
For external use only; avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and all mucous membranes as this product may be irritating
Storage
Benzamycin Pak, Aktipak: Store at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F); keep away from heat and any open flame
Benzamycin
- Before reconstitution: Store at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F)
- After reconstitution: Store refrigerated between 2-8°C (36-46°F)
- Do not freeze
- Keep tightly closed
Images
No images available for this drug.
Patient Handout
A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
Formulary
FormularyPatient Discounts
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The above information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Individual plans may vary and formulary information changes. Contact the applicable plan provider for the most current information.
View explanations for tiers and restrictions
| 1 | This drug is available at the lowest co-pay. Most commonly, these are generic drugs. |
| 2 | This drug is available at a middle level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "preferred" (on formulary) brand drugs. |
| 3 | This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs. |
| 4 | This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products. |
| 5 | This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products. |
| 6 | This drug is available at a higher level co-pay. Most commonly, these are "non-preferred" brand drugs or specialty prescription products. |
| NC | NOT COVERED – Drugs that are not covered by the plan. |
| PA | Prior Authorization Drugs that require prior authorization. This restriction requires that specific clinical criteria be met prior to the approval of the prescription. |
| QL | Quantity Limits Drugs that have quantity limits associated with each prescription. This restriction typically limits the quantity of the drug that will be covered. |
| ST | Step Therapy Drugs that have step therapy associated with each prescription. This restriction typically requires that certain criteria be met prior to approval for the prescription. |
| OR | Other Restrictions Drugs that have restrictions other than prior authorization, quantity limits, and step therapy associated with each prescription. |
Non-Medicare Plans Medicare Plans
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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.