(er ith roe MYE sin & BEN zoe il per OKS ide)
Topical control of acne vulgaris
Hypersensitivity to erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any component of the formulation
Acne: Topical: Apply twice daily, morning and evening.
Refer to adult dosing.
Adolescents ≥12 years: Refer to adult dosing.
Skin should be clean and dry before applying. For external use only; avoid applying to inside nose, mouth, eyes, and mucous membranes. Wash hands before and after use.
Benzamycin ‚ ® Pak: Mix right before each use.
Benzamycin ‚ ®: Prior to dispensing, store at 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F). Once reconstituted and dispensed, patient should store in refrigerator, between 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F) and use within 3 months. Do not freeze.
Benzamycin ‚ ® Pak: Store at room temperature of 20 ‚ °C to 25 ‚ °C (68 ‚ °F to 77 ‚ °F). Keep away from heat or open flame.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gel, topical: Erythromycin 30 mg and benzoyl peroxide 50 mg per g (23 g, 47 g)
Benzamycin: Erythromycin 30 mg and benzoyl peroxide 50 mg per g (47 g) [contains alcohol 20%]
Benzamycin Pak: Erythromycin 30 mg and benzoyl peroxide 50 mg per 0.8 g packet (60s) [supplied with diluent containing alcohol]
Clindamycin (Topical): Erythromycin (Topical) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Clindamycin (Topical). Avoid combination
Dapsone (Topical): Benzoyl Peroxide may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Dapsone (Topical). Specifically, the use of these agents in combination may cause skin and facial hair to temporarily turn a tan or yellow/orange color. Monitor therapy
Frequency not always defined. Also see individual agents.
1% to 10%:
Dermatologic: Xeroderma (3% to 8%), urticaria (3%), pruritus (2% to 3%), burning sensation of skin (1% to 3%), erythema (1% to 3%), stinging of the skin (1% to 3%), skin photosensitivity (1%), desquamation, oily skin, skin discoloration, skin tenderness, swelling of skin
Ophthalmic: Blepharitis ( ≤2%)
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Bleaching effects: May bleach hair or colored fabric.
- Skin irritation: Discontinue use if severe skin irritation or redness occurs.
- Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment. Stop the drug if significant diarrhea occurs.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Sulfone products: Concomitant use of benzoyl peroxide with sulfone products (eg, dapsone, sulfacetamide) may cause temporary discoloration (yellow/orange) of facial hair and skin. Application of products at separate times during the day or washing off benzoyl peroxide prior to application of other products may avoid skin discoloration (Dubina 2009).
- Topical acne products: Use concomitant topical acne therapy with caution; cumulative irritancy may occur.
Other warnings/precautions:
- Appropriate use: For external use only; avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes.
C
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this combination. Refer to individual monographs.
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience dry skin. Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe skin irritation or signs of Clostridium difficile (C. diff)-associated diarrhea (stomach pain or cramps, very loose or watery stools, or bloody stools) (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.