benzoyl peroxide
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Benzoyl peroxide is optimally used at a strength of 2.5-5% in a topical preparation, is generally safe and effective and considered to be a part of a first-line regimen in all severity levels of acne. In mild acne, benzoyl peroxide can be used alone or with prescription topical antibiotics. As the severity of acne increases, considerations to include topical retinoids and/or oral antibiotics can be made. Benzoyl peroxide can be used safely and effectively in adolescent and adult patients and may be safe and effective in patients under the age of 12, if they are deemed to be one to two years away from puberty. Younger patients should not be treated and should be further assessed for underlying causes. Benzoyl peroxide has not been studied in in pregnant and breastfeeding women, but is likely safe to use if the patient is insistent on treating her acne.
References:
1. Leyden JL, Berger RS, Dunlap FE, Ellis CN, Connolly MA, and Levy SF. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a combination topical gel formulation of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin and vehicle gel in the treatments of acne vulgaris. Am J Clin Dermatology 2001; 2:33-9.
2. Ozolins M, Eady EA, Avery AJ, Cunliffe WJ, Wan Po AL, O’Neill C, Simpson NB, Walters CE, Carnegie E, Lewis JB, Dada J, Haynes M, Williams K and Williams HC. Comparison of five antimicrobial regimens for treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory facial acne vulgaris in the community: randomized control trial. Lancet 2004; 364: 2188-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub med/24183219.
3. Kong YL, and Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs 2013; 779-87
4. Eichenstein LF, Krakowski AC, Piggott C, Del Rosso J, Baldwin H, Fallon Friedlander S, Levy M, Lucky A, Mancini AJ, Orlow SJ, Yan AC, Vaux KK, Webster G, Zaenglein AL, and Thiboutot DM. Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne. Pediatrics 2013; 131: S162-86.
5. Lichtenwald D. Skin Disorders: Acne. Therapeutic Choices 2013; Canadian Pharmacists Association. Accessed online: Mar 7 2014.
6. Sibbald D. Chapter 60 – Acne. Patient Self Care 2010; Canadian Pharmacists Association.
Benzoyl peroxide is optimally used at a strength of 2.5-5% in a topical preparation, is generally safe and effective and considered to be a part of a first-line regimen in all severity levels of acne. In mild acne, benzoyl peroxide can be used alone or with prescription topical antibiotics. As the severity of acne increases, considerations to include topical retinoids and/or oral antibiotics can be made. Benzoyl peroxide can be used safely and effectively in adolescent and adult patients and may be safe and effective in patients under the age of 12, if they are deemed to be one to two years away from puberty. Younger patients should not be treated and should be further assessed for underlying causes. Benzoyl peroxide has not been studied in in pregnant and breastfeeding women, but is likely safe to use if the patient is insistent on treating her acne.
References:
1. Leyden JL, Berger RS, Dunlap FE, Ellis CN, Connolly MA, and Levy SF. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a combination topical gel formulation of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin and vehicle gel in the treatments of acne vulgaris. Am J Clin Dermatology 2001; 2:33-9.
2. Ozolins M, Eady EA, Avery AJ, Cunliffe WJ, Wan Po AL, O’Neill C, Simpson NB, Walters CE, Carnegie E, Lewis JB, Dada J, Haynes M, Williams K and Williams HC. Comparison of five antimicrobial regimens for treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory facial acne vulgaris in the community: randomized control trial. Lancet 2004; 364: 2188-95. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub med/24183219.
3. Kong YL, and Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs 2013; 779-87
4. Eichenstein LF, Krakowski AC, Piggott C, Del Rosso J, Baldwin H, Fallon Friedlander S, Levy M, Lucky A, Mancini AJ, Orlow SJ, Yan AC, Vaux KK, Webster G, Zaenglein AL, and Thiboutot DM. Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric acne. Pediatrics 2013; 131: S162-86.
5. Lichtenwald D. Skin Disorders: Acne. Therapeutic Choices 2013; Canadian Pharmacists Association. Accessed online: Mar 7 2014.
6. Sibbald D. Chapter 60 – Acne. Patient Self Care 2010; Canadian Pharmacists Association.