What is Benzac?

Benzac has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away.

Benzac topical is used to treat acne.

Benzac topical may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Benzac?

Avoid abrasive, harsh, or drying soaps and cleansers while using Benzac topical.

Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzac topical may cause bleaching.

Avoid combining sunscreen containing PABA and Benzac. Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Benzac?

Do not use Benzac topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions worse. Also avoid using Benzac topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication. Do not use Benzac topical during treatment with tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A). The combination could lead to severe skin irritation. Benzoyl peroxide topical is the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Benzac topical will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Benzac passes into breast milk. Do not use Benzac topical without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Benzac?

Use Benzac topical exactly as directed by your doctor, or follow the instructions that accompany the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication.

Clean and dry the area of skin where you will apply Benzac topical. Apply the medication to the affected area. Shake lotions well before use. When applying Benzac topical, avoid the eyes, the inside of the nose and mouth, the lips, and areas where the skin is broken to prevent excessive irritation. If you get medication on any of these areas, rinse it off with water. Do not use Benzac topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions worse. Also avoid using Benzac topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication. Do not cover the affected area after applying Benzac topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.

Benzac topical is usually applied one to three times daily.

Contact your doctor if you experience excessive burning, dryness, or irritation. Less frequent administration of the medication may be necessary.

It may take several weeks or more to see the effects of this drug. Do not stop using Benzac topical if you do not see results immediately. Store Benzac topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and apply only the next regularly scheduled dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Benzac topical is unlikely to occur. If an overdose is suspected, or if Benzac topical has been ingested, call a poison control center or emergency room for advice.

What should I avoid while using Benzac?

Do not use Benzac on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. It could make these conditions worse. Also avoid using Benzac topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of Benzac topical.

Do not cover the area after applying Benzac topical, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Doing so could cause too much medicine to be absorbed by the body and could be harmful.

Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area being treated.

Avoid contact with clothing and hair. Benzac may cause bleaching.

Avoid combining sunscreen containing PABA and Benzac. Temporary skin discoloration may occur if they are used together.

Benzac side effects

Serious side effects are not likely to occur. Stop using Benzac topical and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives).

Some burning, stinging, tingling, itching, redness, dryness, peeling, or irritation may be experienced while using Benzac topical. Contact your doctor if these side effects are excessive. Less frequent application of Benzac topical may be necessary.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Benzac?

Do not use Benzac during treatment with tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A). The combination could lead to severe skin irritation.

Avoid using other topical products on the same area at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. They may interfere with the effects or absorption of Benzac topical.

Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or irritating cleansers, perfumes, or cosmetics on the area you are treating.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Benzac topical. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.