Benzoyl Peroxide

May bleach hair, colored fabric, or carpet.

Rare but serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions or severe irritation have been reported with use of topical OTC benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid containing products; it has not been determined if the reactions are due to the active ingredients (benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid), the inactive ingredients, or a combination of both. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur within minutes to a day or longer after product use and differ from local skin irritation (redness, burning, dryness, itching, peeling or slight swelling) that may occur at the site of product application. Treatment should be discontinued if hives or itching develop; patients should seek emergency medical attention if reactions such as throat tightness, difficulty breathing, feeling faint, or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue develop. Before using a topical OTC acne product for the first time, consumers should apply a small amount to 1 or 2 small affected areas for 3 days to make sure hypersensitivity symptoms do not develop. (FDA Drug Safety Communication 2014).

Skin irritation (eg, burning, itching, peeling, redness, swelling) may occur; discontinue use if severe irritation develops. Dosage form specific issues:

Some dosage forms may contain benzyl alcohol; large amounts of benzyl alcohol (≥99 mg/kg/day) have been associated with a potentially fatal toxicity (“gasping syndrome”) in neonates; the “gasping syndrome” consists of metabolic acidosis, respiratory distress, gasping respirations, CNS dysfunction (including convulsions, intracranial hemorrhage), hypotension and cardiovascular collapse (AAP 1997; CDC 1982); some data suggests that benzoate displaces bilirubin from protein binding sites (Ahlfors 2001); avoid or use dosage forms containing benzyl alcohol with caution in neonates. See manufacturer’s labeling. Concurrent drug therapy issues:

Concomitant use of benzoyl peroxide with sulfone products (eg, dapsone, sulfacetamide) may cause temporary discoloration (yellow/orange) of facial hair and skin. Application of products at separate times during the day or washing off benzoyl peroxide prior to application of other products may avoid skin discoloration (Dubina 2009). Other warnings/precautions:

For external use only; avoid contact with eye, eyelids, lips, mouth, and mucous membranes. Inform patients to use skin protection (eg, sunscreen) and minimize prolonged exposure to sun or tanning beds.