Erythromycin/Benzoyl peroxide topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

What is topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide used for?

Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin. It often appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.

Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide work (mechanism of action)?

Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide, which is applied to the affected skin, has two ingredients: erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide. Erythromycin stops the growth of bacteria (germs) that cause acne. Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and helps remove dead skin cells to keep pores clear.

How is topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide supplied (dosage forms)?

Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide is available as Benzamycin and generic erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide as a 3%/5% topical gel that is applied to the skin.

How should I store topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide?

Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) for up to 3 months. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not freeze.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide?

The most common side effects of topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Dry skin
Hives (raised, itchy areas on the skin)

There may be other side effects of topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile, or “C. diff,” can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide, which contains the antibiotic erythromycin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and can happen even up to 2 months after stopping the medicine. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

Watery diarrhea
Diarrhea that does not go away
Blood in your stool (poop)
Severe stomach cramps
Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide.

Erythromycin
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzamycin
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide products they stock.

What should I know about topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide before using it?

Do not use topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. Do not use the medicine in or on the eyes, mouth/lips, or vagina. Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide is only applied to your skin.

Stop using topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide and call your healthcare provider if your skin becomes very red, itchy, or swollen while using this medicine.

Do not share topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide may bleach (remove color from) your clothes or hair. Do not get the medicine on colored fabric or hair.

Throw away your medicine once the expiration date has passed, which will be 3 months from the date you received it from the pharmacy.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide and alcohol.

Does topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide.

Clindamycin (Cleocin and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
Any other skin or acne products

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Erythromycin/Benzoyl peroxide topical interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide?

If you or someone else has used too much topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.