Erythromycin and Benzoyl Peroxide (Topical)

Brand Names : Benzamycin

Proper Use of This Medicine

Do not use this medicine on raw or irritated skin .

Before applying this medicine, thoroughly wash the affected area(s) with warm water and soap, rinse well, and gently pat dry. After washing or shaving, it is best to wait 30 minutes before applying the medicine. The alcohol in it may irritate freshly washed or shaved skin.

Avoid washing the acne-affected area(s) too often. This may dry your skin and make your acne worse. Washing with a mild, bland soap 2 or 3 times a day should be enough, unless you have oily skin. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

To use:

• Use this medicine only as directed . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause your skin to become too dry or irritated.
• After washing the affected area(s), you may apply this medicine with your fingertips. However, be sure to wash the medicine off your hands afterward.
• Apply and rub in a thin film of medicine, using enough to cover the affected area(s) lightly. You should apply the medicine to the whole area usually affected by acne, not just to the pimples themselves .
• Since this medicine contains alcohol, it may sting or burn. Therefore, do not get this medicine in or around your eyes, nose, or mouth, or on other mucous membranes . Spread the medicine away from these areas when applying. If this medicine does get in your eyes, wash them out immediately, but carefully, with large amounts of cool tap water. If your eyes still burn or are painful, check with your doctor.

Do not use this medicine after the expiration date on the label. The medicine may not work properly. Get a fresh supply from your pharmacist. Check with your pharmacist if you have any questions about this.

To help keep your acne under control, keep using this medicine for the full time of treatment . You may have to continue using this medicine every day for months or even longer in some cases.

Dosing - The dose of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide combination. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so .

• For gel dosage form:
  • For acne:
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and over - Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin two times a day, morning and evening, or as directed by your doctor.
    • Children up to 12 years of age - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in the refrigerator. Heat will cause this medicine to break down. However, keep the medicine from freezing. Follow the directions on the label.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.