Benzoyl Peroxide 5% + Erythromycin 3%

Indications

Benzoyl Peroxide 5% + Erythromycin 3% is used for: Acne vulgaris

Adult Dose

Adult: Topical Acne: Apply topically BID (morning and evening).

Child Dose

<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established >12 years: Apply topically BID (morning and evening)

Renal Dose

Administration

Apply topically to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry.

Contra Indications

Hypersensitivity.

Precautions

Apply carefully near the eyes, mouth, neck and other mucous membranes as well as other sensitive areas.Discontinue if severe irritation develops. Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

Pregnancy-Lactation

Pregnancy Category: C Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution

Interactions

Benzoyl Peroxide: PABA sunscreens may transiently discolour fabric. Erythromycin: Potentially Fatal: QT prolongation, cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, torsades de pointes w/ cisapride, pimozide, astemizole or terfenadine. Acute ergot toxicity w/ ergotamine and dihydroergotamine.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide 5% + Erythromycin 3% : 1-10% Dry skin (5-7.6%), Application site reaction (stinging, erythema, burning) (0.8-2.5%), Blepharitis (1.7%), Pruritus (1.7-2.5%), Photosensitivity (1.3%) <1% Skin peeling (<0.5%)

Mechanism of Action

Benzoyl peroxide has mild keratolytic effect and antimicrobial activity which is attributed to its oxidative property. It is active against S.epidermidis and P.acne. Erythromycin inhibits protein synthesis by irreversibly binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit thus blocking the transpeptidation or translocation reactions of susceptible organisms resulting in stunted cell growth.