Compare benzoyl peroxide vs. Benzamycin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Treats acne.
Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) is the most effective over-the-counter treatment for mild acne.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 394 reviewsforbenzoyl peroxide
Topical treatment for acne and pimples.
Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) is a common affordable treatment for acne and pimples, but it can stain clothing and hair.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 146 reviewsforBenzamycin
Upsides
- Available over-the-counter from many brands.
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) comes in many different forms and combinations with other acne products.
- The combination of medicines in Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) works better to reduce bacteria in oil glands and improve overall appearance of acne than either medicine alone.
- Combining an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide lowers the chances of Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) not working as well over time (known as resistance).
- Can be used in combination with acne pill medicine if your doctor thinks you need it.
- A generic form of Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) is available to help lower cost.
Downsides
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) increases your skin's sensitivity to the sun and may also cause dryness or stinging.
- Be careful when applying Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) to large areas since it can bleach hair, clothing, and pillow cases upon contact.
- Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) needs to be combined with other medications to effectively treat severe acne.
- Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) may not work for everyone. Like with any acne medicine, you may have to try different medicines before finding the one that works for you.
- You have to apply this twice a day. With some other medicines, you may only need to apply once a day.
- Is generally only effective for mild to moderate acne. If you have severe acne, you may need an oral medication.
- The most common form of Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin) needs to be stored in the fridge and is only good for 3 months even if you have medicine remaining in the container.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Cream
- Lotion
- Liquid
- Gel
- Foam
- Soap
- Gel
Price
Lowest price
$164.00
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$50.81
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Reviews
394 reviews so far
60%
saidit'sworth it
29%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Benzac (benzoyl peroxide)?
Leave a review146 reviews so far
54%
saidit'sworth it
26%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Benzac (benzoyl peroxide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
6possible side effects
- Dry skin8%
- Dryness3%
- Hives3%
- Reaction where applied3%
- Eyelid inflammation2%
- Itching2%
Risks and risk factors
- Bleaching
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Allergic reaction
- Bleaching effects
- Skin irritation
- Using other medicines or products that irritate the skin
- Eczema
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Allergic reaction
- Development of more serious infections
- Long-term use of Benzamycin (benzoyl peroxide / erythromycin)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding