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Benzaderm
Method of action:
Treatment option:
Dosage (Posology) and method of administration
Treatment should normally begin with Benzaderm Aquagel 2.5. The reaction of the skin to benzoyl peroxide differs in individual patients. The higher concentration in Benzaderm Aquagel 5 or 10 may be required to produce a satisfactory response.
Adults and adolescents
Apply a thin film to the whole of the affected area once daily preferably after washing and drying the skin.
If excessive dryness or peeling occurs application should be temporarily interrupted as per physician instruction or patient tolerability.
Maximum lesion reduction may be expected after approximately eight to twelve weeks of drug use. Continued use is normally required to maintain a clinical response.
Elderly Patients
There are no specific recommendations for use in the elderly.
Paediatric Population
Safety and effectiveness of topical benzoyl peroxide in children under the age of 12 has not been established.
Undesirable effects
Adverse reactions are classified by System Organ Class. Adverse reactions that occurred either during clinical studies or that were spontaneously reported are presented below:
Very common >1/10
Common >1/100 to <1/10
Uncommon >1/1000 to <1/100
Rare >1/10000 to <1/1000
Very rare <1/10000
Not known* (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Immune System Disorders
Not known: Allergic reactions, including application site hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Very Common: Peeling, application site erythema
Common: Dryness, pruritus and contact sensitisation reactions
Uncommon: Burning sensation
Not known: Application site rash
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions
Not known: Application site discoloration and application site reactions such as irritation and pain
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at:www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
Overdose
Symptoms and signs
Topically applied benzoyl peroxide is not generally absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects.
Excessive application may result in severe irritation. In this event, discontinue use and wait until the skin has recovered.
Treatment
Cold compresses can provide relief from irritation due to excessive application.
Accidental ingestion of topical benzoyl peroxide should be managed clinically or as recommended by the National Poisons Centre, where available.
Name of the medicinal product
Therapeutic indications
The product is indicated for use in the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Contraindications
Patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Special warnings and precautions for use
Avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, mouth, lips and other mucous membranes. Contact with broken skin should be avoided. Care should be taken when applying the product to the neck and other sensitive areas.
During the first few weeks of treatment a sudden increase in peeling and reddening will occur in most patients and will normally subside in a day or two if treatment is temporarily discontinued.
Patients should be advised that excessive application will not improve efficacy, but may increase the risk of skin irritation.
Concomitant topical acne therapy should be used with caution because a possible cumulative irritancy may occur, which sometimes may be severe, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents.
If severe local irritancy occurs (e.g. severe erythema, severe dryness and itching, severe stinging/burning sensation), benzoyl peroxide should be discontinued.
As benzoyl peroxide may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, sunlamps should not be used and deliberate or prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided or minimised. When exposure to strong sunlight cannot be avoided, patients should be advised to use a sunscreen product and wear protective clothing.
The product may bleach hair and coloured or dyed fabrics. Avoid contact with hair, fabrics, furniture or carpeting.
Benzaderm 10 Aquagel contains propylene glycol. Propylene glycol may cause skin irritation.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Not Relevant
Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Benzoyl peroxide
ATC code: D10AE01
Mechanism of action
Benzoyl peroxide is a highly lipophilic oxidizing agent with bacteriocidal and keratolytic effects.
Pharmacodynamic effects
The effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne vulgaris is primarily attributable to its antibacterial activity, especially with respect to Propionibacterium acnes. The antibacterial activity of benzoyl peroxide is due to the release of active or free-radical oxygen capable of oxidising bacterial proteins. Benzoyl peroxide is also believed to be effective in the treatment of acne on account of its anti-inflammatory and mild keratolytic properties.
Pharmacokinetic properties
Absorption/Distribution/Metabolism
Benzoyl peroxide is absorbed by the skin where it is metabolised to benzoic acid. Following topical application, less than 5% of the dose enters systemic circulation as benzoic acid.
Elimination
Benzoyl peroxide is excreted as benzoic acid in the urine.
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Incompatibilities
None.
Special precautions for disposal and other handling
There are no special instructions for use or handling of Benzaderm Aquagel 10.
Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.
Medically reviewed by . Last updated on 5/22/2025
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Equivalent of Benzaderm found in: