Version July 2025
Acne vulgaris: Topical: Apply twice daily, morning and evening.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
Refer to adult dosing.
(For additional information see "Erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide: Pediatric drug information")
Acne vulgaris: Note: Guidelines recommend as monotherapy for mild acne or in combination with topical retinoids or systemic antibiotics for moderate to severe acne (Ref).
Children ≥7 years and Adolescents: Limited data available in <12 years (Ref): Topical: Apply to affected area(s) twice daily, in the morning and in the evening.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Also see individual agents.
1% to 10%: Dermatologic: Urticaria (3%), xeroderma (3%)
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Oily skin, skin discoloration, skin irritation (including burning sensation of skin, dermatitis [face, eyes, nose], desquamation, erythema of skin, pruritus), skin tenderness
Ophthalmic: Eye irritation
Hypersensitivity to erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide, or any component of the formulation
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Bleaching effects: May bleach hair or colored fabric.
• Skin irritation: Discontinue use if severe skin irritation or redness occurs.
• Superinfection: Prolonged use may result in fungal or bacterial superinfection, including C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and pseudomembranous colitis; CDAD has been observed >2 months postantibiotic treatment. Stop the drug if significant diarrhea occurs.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
• Sulfone products: Concomitant use of benzoyl peroxide with sulfone products (eg, dapsone, sulfacetamide) may cause temporary discoloration (yellow/orange) of facial hair and skin. Application of products at separate times during the day or washing off benzoyl peroxide prior to application of other products may avoid skin discoloration (Dubina 2009).
• Topical acne products: Use concomitant topical acne therapy with caution; cumulative irritancy may occur.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: For external use only; avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gel, External:
Benzamycin: erythromycin 3% and benzoyl peroxide 5% (46.6 g) [contains alcohol, usp]
Generic: erythromycin 3% and benzoyl peroxide 5% (23.3 g, 46.6 g)
Yes
Gel (Benzamycin External)
5-3% (per gram): $1.61
Gel (Benzoyl Peroxide-Erythromycin External)
5-3% (per gram): $8.54 - $8.90
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gel, External:
Benzamycin: erythromycin 3% and benzoyl peroxide 5% (46.6 g) [contains alcohol, usp]
Topical: For external use only; avoid applying to inside nose, mouth, eyes, and mucous membranes. Apply to clean, dry skin. Wash hands before and after use.
Topical: For external use only; avoid applying to inside nose, mouth, eyes, and mucous membranes. Wash hands before and after use. Skin should be clean and dry before applying. May bleach hair or fabric.
Acne vulgaris: Topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Refer to individual components.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may increase photosensitizing effects of Aminolevulinic Acid (Systemic). Risk X: Avoid
Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical): Photosensitizing Agents may increase photosensitizing effects of Aminolevulinic Acid (Topical). Risk C: Monitor
Clindamycin (Topical): Erythromycin (Topical) may decrease therapeutic effects of Clindamycin (Topical). Management: Consider avoiding use of topical erythromycin and topical clindamycin at the same application site when treating acne vulgaris. This recommendation does not appear to apply to intravaginal use of clindamycin for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Dapsone (Topical): Benzoyl Peroxide may increase adverse/toxic effects of Dapsone (Topical). Specifically, the use of these agents in combination may cause skin and facial hair to temporarily turn a tan or yellow/orange color. Risk C: Monitor
ISOtretinoin (Topical): May increase adverse/toxic effects of Erythromycin (Topical). Risk C: Monitor
Methoxsalen (Systemic): Photosensitizing Agents may increase photosensitizing effects of Methoxsalen (Systemic). Risk C: Monitor
Porfimer: Photosensitizing Agents may increase photosensitizing effects of Porfimer. Risk X: Avoid
Verteporfin: Photosensitizing Agents may increase photosensitizing effects of Verteporfin. Risk C: Monitor
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this combination. Refer to individual monographs.
It is not known if erythromycin or benzoyl peroxide are present in breast milk following topical application. Refer to individual monographs.
See individual agents.
