Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxideis available in washes, lotions, creams and gel in concentrations of 2.5 to 20%. The gels are generally more active and the water based gels are less irritating that alcohol or acetone based formulations.  About 5% of benzoyl peroxide is absorbed through the skin but the drug is metabolized so quickly that there are generally no systemic toxicities in the body. Note that this medication is pregnancy category C.  The antibacterial effects are more than the keratinolytic effects. The beneficial effects can be "neutralized" with using tretinoin at the same time. Benzoyl peroxide has not been associated with causing bacterial resistance. There is only a rare potential for contact allergy. 

This medication is used for monotherapy for acne vulgaris and in combination therapy as well. 

 Name Manufacturer Formuation

 Benzac   Galderma 5, 10% gel

 Benzac AC Galderma 2.5, 5, 10% gel

 Benzac W Galderma 2.5, 5, 10% gel

 Benzagel Dermik 5, 10% gel

 Benzashave Medicis 5, 10% shaving cream

 Brevoxyl Stiefel 4% gel

 Desquam E Westwood Squibb 2.5, 5, 10% gel

 Desquam X Westwood Squibb 2.5, 5, 10% gel

 Pan Oxyl Stiefel 5, 10% gel