Benzoyl peroxide
PANOXYL
Pronunciation: BEN-zoe-il per-OX-ide
What it isTopical oxidizing agent that disrupts bacterial membranes; acne vulgaris.
Why this oneIt kills acne bacteria without selecting antibiotic resistance, making it a key partner for topical antibiotics.
What limits itDryness and irritation often limit adherence; it bleaches hair and fabric, and rare hypersensitivity can be severe.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acne (OTC topical) | General (OTC; no age stated on captured label) | Thin layer to entire affected area QD | Gradually increase to BID–TID if needed or as directed by a doctor | TID |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Excessive skin drying may occur — start QD and increase gradually
Instructions
- Clean skin thoroughly before applying
- Apply thin layer covering entire affected area
- If bothersome dryness or peeling: reduce to QD or every other day
- If going outside, apply sunscreen after use; if irritation or sensitivity develops, stop both products and ask a doctor
Available strengths
- cream 5 %
- emulsion 25, 50, 100 mg/g
- sol 5, 10 g/100 mL
- sol 3 g/mL
- sol 5.5 mg/40 mL
- sol 25 mg/g
- sol 40, 50, 100 mg/mL
- susp 10 g/100 g
- + 20 other marketed forms not shown
Cautions
- Excessive drying of the skin may occur — titrate frequency to tolerance
- Sun exposure: apply sunscreen after use; discontinue both if irritation or sensitivity develops
Pregnancy Undefined
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Benzoyl peroxide (PANOXYL)
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 % | cream | per unit | not offered |
NADAC is a voluntary CMS survey of what retail community pharmacies pay for the drugs they stock. Benzoyl peroxide is dispensed outside retail pharmacies, so it rarely appears on surveyed invoices.
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskSkin irritation; bleaches hair and dyed fabric