Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (topical)

Generic name: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (topical) [ BEN-zoe-il-per-OX-ide-and-sal-i-SIL-ik-AS-id ]
Brand names: Cleanse & Treat, Cleanse & Treat Plus, Inova 4/1, Inova 8/2, Cleanse and Treat, Cleanse and Treat Plus
Dosage form: topical pad (4%-1%; 5%-2%; 8%-2%)
Drug class: Topical acne agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 1, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (topical)?

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oil and dirt to be washed away.

Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that causes shedding of the outer layer of skin.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat severe acne.

This medication is not for use in treating mild forms of acne. The strength of benzoyl peroxide contained in this medication is higher than that used in many over-the-counter acne products. Severe skin irritation can result from improper use of this product.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid side effects

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. These reactions may occur just a few minutes after you apply the medicine, or within a day or longer afterward.

Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin irritation after using the medicine;

• scaly or peeling skin;

• redness or swelling of treated skin; or

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Common side effects of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid may include:

• dry skin or mild irritation;

• dizziness; or

• ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

This medicine can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Stop using this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have: hives, itching; difficult breathing, feeling light-headed; or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or aspirin.

To make sure benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any allergies or other medical conditions.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical should not be used on a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical can cause a rare but serious allergic reaction or severe skin irritation. Before you start using this medicine, you may choose to apply a "test dose" to see if you have a reaction. Apply a very small amount of the medicine to 1 or 2 small acne areas every day for 3 days in a row. If there is no reaction, begin using the full prescribed amount on the 4th day.

Use only mild skin cleansers or those your doctor has prescribed.

Apply the medicated pad to clean, dry skin twice per day or as directed by your doctor. Do not rinse off the medicine unless it causes severe skin irritation just after applying.

Do not share this medication with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each medicated pad in its foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Acne:

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads:
-Evening (30 minutes before bedtime): After washing as directed, apply benzoyl peroxide pad to face, distributing medication evenly around the treatment area.
-Morning (before leaving home): After washing as directed, apply salicylic acid pad to face, distributing medication evenly around the treatment area; allow to dry for 3 to 5 minutes.

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: Apply 1 salicylic acid pad and 1 benzoyl peroxide pad to affected areas twice a day or as directed by physician.

Comments:
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads:
-The manufacturer product information should be consulted.
-The skin should be cleansed thoroughly before application of this product.
-The entire affected area should be covered with a thin layer 1 to 3 times a day.
-As excessive drying of the skin may occur, starting with 1 application once a day is recommended; may gradually increase to 2 to 3 times a day if needed or as directed by physician
-Application should be reduced to once a day or every other day if bothersome dryness/peeling occurs; irritation may be reduced by using the product less often or in a lower concentration.
-As a sensitivity test for a new user, may apply sparingly to 1 or 2 small affected areas during the first 3 days; if no discomfort occurs, the recommended directions may be followed.

Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads:
-This product is a leave-on acne treatment, intended for use without water or additional cleansers unless otherwise directed by physician.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne:

12 years or older:
-Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: Apply 1 salicylic acid pad and 1 benzoyl peroxide pad to affected areas twice a day or as directed by physician.

Comments:
-This product is a leave-on acne treatment, intended for use without water or additional cleansers unless otherwise directed by physician.

Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris

Related/similar drugs

doxycycline, clindamycin topical, erythromycin topical, tetracycline, Tazorac

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid?

Do not take by mouth. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical is for use only on the skin. Avoid getting this medication in your nose or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water. Do not use this medicine on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

If this medication gets in your eyes, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications on the areas you treat with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical unless your doctor tells you to.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

What other drugs will affect benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid (topical)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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