Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydrocortisone

Generic name: Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydrocortisone [ BEN-zoe-il-peer-OKS-ide-& hye-droe-KOR-ti-sone ]
Brand name: Vanoxide-HC
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 25, 2023.

Uses of Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydrocortisone:

• It is used to treat pimples (acne).
• It is used to treat oily skin.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydrocortisone?

• If you have an allergy to benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone, or any other part of benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone.
• If you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone; any part of benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a viral skin problem like chickenpox or shingles.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydrocortisone?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Certain acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can rarely cause very bad and sometimes life-threatening allergic reactions or very bad irritation. Before first use, you may need to follow certain steps to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. Use benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone as you were told by the doctor or read the package label. Talk with the doctor.
• It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
• Use of other skin products while using benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone may cause more irritation.
• Talk with your doctor before you use other drugs or products on your skin.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• Use care when putting on. It may bleach hair or colored fabric.
• This medicine may cause harm if swallowed. If benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydrocortisone) best taken?

Use benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Do not take benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• Clean affected part before use. Make sure to dry well.
• Shake well before use.
• Do not put on irritated skin.
• Do not put on open sores or broken skin.
• Do not put on sunburned skin.
• Put a thin layer on the affected skin and rub in gently.
• Makeup may be used after the skin has dried.
• Do not use coverings (bandages, dressings) unless told to do so by the doctor.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very bad skin irritation.
• Skin changes (pimples, stretch marks, slow healing, hair growth).
• Burning.
• Swelling.
• Change in color of skin.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydrocortisone?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dry skin.
• Skin irritation.
• Itching.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Benzoyl Peroxide and Hydrocortisone?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Throw away any part not used after 3 months.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer