Persa-Gel

Generic Name: benzoyl peroxide topical (BEN zoyl per OX ide)

Brand Names: Acne Treatment, Acne-Clear, Benzac AC, Benzac W, Benzashave 10, Benzashave 5, BenzEFoam, Benziq, Benziq Wash, BPO Foaming Cloths, Brevoxyl, Brevoxyl Acne Wash Kit, Brevoxyl-4 Creamy Wash Complete Pack, Brevoxyl-8 Creamy Wash Complete Pack, Breze, Clearplex, Clearskin, Clinac BPO, Desquam-E, Desquam-X 10, Desquam-X 5, Desquam-X Wash, Fostex Bar 10%, Fostex Gel 10%, Fostex Wash 10%, Inova, Lavoclen-4, Lavoclen-8, Loroxide, NeoBenz Micro, Neutrogena Acne Mask, Neutrogena On Spot Acne Treatment, Oscion, Oscion Cleanser, Oxy 10 Balance, Oxy Balance, Oxy Daily Wash Chill Factor, Oxy-10, Pacnex, PanOxyl, Panoxyl 10, Panoxyl 5, Panoxyl Aqua Gel, PanOxyl Maximum Strength Foaming Acne Wash, Persa-Gel, Seba-Gel, SoluCLENZ Rx, Triaz, Triaz Cleanser, Zaclir

What is Persa-Gel (benzoyl peroxide topical)?

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect, which allows excess oils and dirt to be easily washed away from the skin.

Benzoyl peroxide topical (for the skin) is used to treat acne.

Benzoyl peroxide topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Persa-Gel (benzoyl peroxide topical)?

There are many brands and forms of benzoyl peroxide available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical while you are also using tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X). Using these medications together could cause severe skin irritation.

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Avoid allowing this medication to come into contact with your hair or clothing.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Persa-Gel (benzoyl peroxide topical)?

Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical while you are also using tretinoin (Altinac, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, Tretin-X). Using these medications together could cause severe skin irritation. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Persa-Gel (benzoyl peroxide topical)?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medication. Shake the lotion well just before each use.

Clean and pat dry the skin to be treated. Apply benzoyl peroxide in a thin layer and rub in gently.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor has told you to.

Benzoyl peroxide topical is usually applied one to three times daily. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach hair or fabrics. Avoid allowing this medication to come into contact with your hair or clothing.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Persa-Gel (benzoyl peroxide topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth or eyes. If it does get into any of these areas, rinse with water. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin. Also avoid using benzoyl peroxide topical on wounds or on areas of eczema. Wait until these conditions have healed before using this medication.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid using sunscreen containing PABA on the same skin treated with benzoyl peroxide, or skin discoloration may occur.

Persa-Gel (benzoyl peroxide topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using benzoyl peroxide and call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging or burning of your skin.

Less serious side effects may include:

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  mild stinging or burning;

  
  


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  itching or tingly feeling;

  
  


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  skin dryness, peeling, or flaking; or

  
  


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  redness or other irritation.

  
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Persa-Gel (benzoyl peroxide topical)?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied benzoyl peroxide topical. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Persa-Gel resources

• Persa-Gel Side Effects (in more detail)
• Persa-Gel Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Persa-Gel Drug Interactions
• Persa-Gel Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Persa-Gel - Add your own review/rating

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Compare Persa-Gel with other medications

• Acne
• Perioral Dermatitis

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about benzoyl peroxide topical.

See also: Persa-Gel side effects (in more detail)