Benzamycin (Erythromycin 3%-Benzoyl Peroxide 5%) topical gel is a combination of an antibiotic and a medication that has an antibacterial effect and a mild drying effect used to treat acne. Benzamycin is used to treat moderate acne to help reduce the number of pimples. This medication is a combination of 2 drugs. Erythromycin is in a class of medications called macrolide antibiotics and Benzoyl peroxide belongs to a group of drugs called anti-acne preparations. Erythromycin works by stopping bacteria from producing essential proteins. Without these proteins the bacteria cannot grow, replicate and increase in numbers. This clears up the infection. Benzoyl Peroxide works to destroy acne-causing bacteria in your pores. BPO works primarily as an exfoliating agent by increasing the turnover of the skin and removes the mixture of sebum and dead skin cells from the pores. This product also contains alcohol which helps to dry extra oils from the skin. You should see an improvement as early as two weeks. It may take 6 to 10 weeks of treatment to see the best results.
Manufacturer Information
Benzamycin is available from Turkey manufactured by Sanofi Aventis. There is no generic available for this medication. Benzamycin topical gel is available in a 46.6 gm tube.
Taking Benzamycin may cause some common side effects such as Mild dryness and mild peeling of the top layer of skin is expected. Skin irritation, itching, burning, or redness may occur, especially at the start of treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. Eye irritation and skin discoloration may also occur. If these side effects continue to happen, contact your doctor immediately. Remember that your doctor originally prescribed this medication for you thus, judged the benefit to you is greater than the risk.
Rarely, use of this medication for prolonged or repeated periods may result in other types of skin infections (such as fungal infections). Benzamycin may also cause some serious side effects such as:
• Rash;
• Itching/swelling) especially face/tongue/throat);
• Severe dizziness;
• Trouble breathing
Do not take this medication if you are allergic to it. Before using this medication, contact your doctor and ask if you are allergic to erythromycin or benzoyl peroxide; or to other macrolide antibiotics(such as azithromycin, clarithromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Inform your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters. Do not take this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding as the effects are unknown to children. Benzamycin topical gel should be stored in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.