Benzamycin
Generic name: erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide · Brand names: Benzamycin
Information sourced from FDA Structured Product Labeling, updated November 30, 2020.
What is it used for?
Benzamycin Topical Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
How to take it
Benzamycin Topical Gel should be applied twice daily, morning and evening, or as directed by a physician, to affected areas after the skin is thoroughly washed, rinsed with warm water and gently patted dry.
Warnings
Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including erythromycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia.
Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is one primary cause of “antibiotic-associated colitis”. After the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation and treatment with an antibacterial drug clinically effective against C. difficile colitis.
Who should not take it
Benzamycin Topical Gel is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Benzamycin Topical Gel or benzoyl peroxide. There was no evidence of teratogenicity or any other adverse effect on reproduction in female rats fed erythromycin base (up to 0.25% diet) prior to and during mating, during gestation and through weaning of two successive litters. There are no well-controlled trials in pregnant women with Benzamycin Topical Gel.
It also is not known whether Benzamycin Topical Gel can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive capacity. Benzamycin Topical Gel should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Breastfeeding
Nursing Women: It is not known whether Benzamycin Topical Gel is excreted in human milk after topical application. However, erythromycin is excreted in human milk following oral and parenteral erythromycin administration. Therefore, caution should be exercised when erythromycin is administered to a nursing woman.
Side effects
In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of Benzamycin Topical Gel was approximately 3%. These were dryness and urticarial reaction. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported occasionally: irritation of the skin including peeling, itching, burning sensation, erythema, inflammation of the face, eyes and nose, and irritation of the eyes. Skin discoloration, oiliness and tenderness of the skin have also been reported.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health. Source: FDA Structured Product Labeling.