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Drug Details

ACNECIDE

• Drug Class Description
  Antibacterial-keratolytics (antibacterials, keratolytics).
• Generic Name
  Benzoyl peroxide
• Presentation
  Gel, benzoyl peroxide 5% , 10% .
• Description
  Gel.
• Indications
  Acne vulgaris.
• Adult Dosage
  

  Adults and children:

  After washing with a mild cleanser, apply once or twice daily or as directed to the affected areas. Initially Acnecide 5 should be used; treatment may be continued with Acnecide 10 provided Acnecide 5 has been well tolerated. The extent of any drying or peeling may be adjusted by modifying the dosage schedule.

• Contra Indications
  

   Persons having known sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide.

• Special Precautions
  

  A mild burning sensation will probably be felt on first application and some reddening and peeling of the skin will occur within a few days. During the first weeks of treatment a sudden increase in peeling will occur in most patients. This is not harmful and will normally subside within a day or two if treatment is temporarily discontinued. If severe irritation occurs, patients should be directed to use the medication less frequently, to temporarily discontinue use or to discontinue use altogether.

  Benzoyl peroxide gel should not come into contact with the eyes, mouth, angles of the nose or mucous membranes. If the preparation enters the eye, wash thoroughly with water. Caution should be exercised when applying the drug to the neck and other sensitive areas.

  Repeated exposure to sunlight or UV radiation should be avoided.

  Contact with any coloured material including hair and dyed fabrics may result in bleaching or discoloration.

  Due to the risk of sensitisation, benzoyl peroxide gel should not be applied on damaged skin.

• Interactions
  

  There are no known interaction with other medications which might be used cutaneously and concurrently with benzoyl peroxide; however, drugs with desquamative, irritant and drying effects should not be used concurrently with benzoyl peroxide gel.

• Adverse Drug Reactions
  

  The major adverse reaction reported to date with benzoyl peroxide cutaneous therapy is irritation of the skin including erythema, burning, peeling, dryness, itching, stinging, feeling of skin tension locally at the site of application. This is reversible when treatment is reduced in frequency or discontinued. Allergic contact dermatitis, including face oedema, may occur.