Note: This document contains side effect information about benzoyl peroxide topical. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name BPO.
Applies to benzoyl peroxide topical: topical bar, topical cream, topical foam, topical gel/jelly, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical pad, topical soap, topical solution.
Serious side effects of BPO
Along with its needed effects, benzoyl peroxide topical (the active ingredient contained in BPO) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking benzoyl peroxide topical:
Less common
- Pain, burning, blistering, changes in color, dryness, itching, peeling, redness, scaling, stinging, or swelling of the skin where the medicine is applied
Incidence not known
- Chest tightness
- cough
- difficulty swallowing
- dizziness
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- redness or other discoloration of the skin
- severe sunburn
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- tightness in the throat
- trouble breathing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects of BPO
Some side effects of benzoyl peroxide topical may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Dryness or peeling of the skin (may occur after a few days)
- feeling of warmth, mild stinging, and redness of the skin
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to benzoyl peroxide topical: compounding powder, topical bar, topical cream, topical foam, topical gel, topical kit, topical liquid, topical lotion, topical pad, topical paste, topical soap.
Dermatologic
Very common (10% or more): Peeling, application site erythema
Common (1% to 10%): Dryness, pruritus, contact sensitization reactions
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Burning sensation
Frequency not reported: Contact dermatitis, application site rash, application site discoloration, application site reactions (irritation and pain)[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions, including application site hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis[Ref]
General
The most commonly reported side effects were peeling and application site erythema.[Ref]
Other
Frequency not reported: Swelling of the face[Ref]
