erythromycin topical/benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin, Benzamycin Pak)
Classes: Acne Agents, Topical Combos
Dosing and uses of Benzamycin, Benzamycin Pak (erythromycin topical/benzoyl peroxide)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
erythromycin topical/benzoyl peroxide
topical geL
- 3%/5%
Acne Vulgaris
Apply topically BID (morning and evening) to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
Administration
Benzamycin Pak: Requires thorough mixing by the patient immediately prior to each use; may store at room temperature
Benzamycin: After reconstitution; store refrigerated between 2-8°C (36-46°F); do not freeze
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
erythromycin topical/benzoyl peroxide
topical geL
- 3%/5%
Acne Vulgaris
<12 years: Safety and efficacy not established
≥12 years: Apply topically BID (morning and evening) to affected areas after skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry
Administration
Benzamycin Pak: Requires thorough mixing by the patient immediately prior to each use; may store at room temperature
Benzamycin: After reconstitution; store refrigerated between 2-8°C (36-46°F); do not freeze
Benzamycin, Benzamycin Pak (erythromycin topical/benzoyl peroxide) adverse (side) effects
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%)
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
For external use only; avoid contact with eyes and other mucous membranes
Concomitant topical acne therapy may result in cumulative irritation, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents; if this occurs, discontinue and seek medical advice
Although limited systemic absorption occurs with topical erythromycin, antibiotics may be associated with the overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms; if this occurs, discontinue use and contact physician
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Benzamycin, Benzamycin Pak (erythromycin topical/benzoyl peroxide)
Mechanism of action
The exact mechanism by which erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide reduce lesions of acne vulgaris is not fully known
Erythromycin: Inhibits protein synthesis in susceptible organisms by reversibly binding to 50 S ribosomal subunits, thereby inhibiting translocation of aminoacyl transfer-RNA and inhibiting polypeptide synthesis
Benzoyl peroxide: Elicits action by releasing active oxygen; effective in vitro against Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobe found in sebaceous follicles and comedones; also elicits a keratolytic and desquamative effect which may also contribute to its efficacy
Pharmacokinetics
Benzoyl peroxide absorbed by the skin where it is converted to benzoic acid
