Drug Class: Topical acne agents
Usual Adult Dose for Acne
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads:
- Evening (30 minutes before bedtime): After washing as directed, apply benzoyl peroxide pad to face, distributing medication evenly around the treatment area.
- Morning (before leaving home): After washing as directed, apply salicylic acid pad to face, distributing medication evenly around the treatment area; allow to dry for 3 to 5 minutes.
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: Apply 1 salicylic acid pad and 1 benzoyl peroxide pad to affected areas twice a day or as directed by physician.
Comments:
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads:
- The manufacturer product information should be consulted.
- The skin should be cleansed thoroughly before application of this product.
- The entire affected area should be covered with a thin layer 1 to 3 times a day.
- As excessive drying of the skin may occur, starting with 1 application once a day is recommended; may gradually increase to 2 to 3 times a day if needed or as directed by physician
- Application should be reduced to once a day or every other day if bothersome dryness/peeling occurs; irritation may be reduced by using the product less often or in a lower concentration.
- As a sensitivity test for a new user, may apply sparingly to 1 or 2 small affected areas during the first 3 days; if no discomfort occurs, the recommended directions may be followed.
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads:
- This product is a leave-on acne treatment, intended for use without water or additional cleansers unless otherwise directed by physician.
Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris
Usual Pediatric Dose for Acne
12 years or older:
- Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: Apply 1 salicylic acid pad and 1 benzoyl peroxide pad to affected areas twice a day or as directed by physician.
Comments:
- This product is a leave-on acne treatment, intended for use without water or additional cleansers unless otherwise directed by physician.
Use: For the topical treatment of acne vulgaris
Renal Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Liver Dose Adjustments
Data not available
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
History of hypersensitivity to either active component or to any of the ingredients
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 5%-2% topical pads: This drug is not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- For external use only
- Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mouth; if accidental contact occurs, rinse the exposed area with water.
- Benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 4%-1% topical pads and benzoyl peroxide-salicylic acid 8%-2% topical pads: Avoid scrubbing or strong pressure while applying each pad.
General:
- Contact with hair, fabrics, or any colored material may result in bleaching or discoloration.
- Skin irritation and dryness more likely if another topical acne agent is used concurrently; if irritation occurs, use of only 1 topical acne agent is recommended.
Patient advice:
- As benzoyl peroxide may cause bleaching on contact, avoid hair, clothing, and eyes.
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and use a sunscreen when in sunlight; if irritation or sensitivity develops, stop this drug and contact physician.
- Discontinue use and notify physician if excessive irritation, scaling, erythema, or edema occurs.
