Benzamycin - Erythromycin And Benzoyl Peroxide
(Erythromycin And Benzoyl Peroxide)Benzamycin - Erythromycin And Benzoyl Peroxide Prescribing Information
Benzamycin Topical Gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
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.
Benzamycin Topical Gel is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.
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.
Benzamycin® Topical Gel contains erythromycin [(3R*,4S*,5S*,6R*, 7R*, 9R*, 11R*, 12R*, 13S*, 14R*)-4-[(2,6-Dideoxy-3-
Chemically erythromycin is C37H67NO13. It has the following structural formula:

Erythromycin has the molecular weight of 733.94. It is a white crystalline powder and has a solubility of approximately 1 mg/mL in water and is soluble in alcohol at 25°C.
Benzamycin Topical Gel also contains benzoyl peroxide for topical use. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial and keratolytic agent.
Chemically benzoyl peroxide is C14H10O4. It has the following structural formula:

Benzoyl peroxide has the molecular weight of 242.23. It is a white granular powder and is sparingly soluble in water and alcohol and soluble in acetone, chloroform and ether.
Each gram of Benzamycin Topical Gel contains, as dispensed, 30 mg (3%) of erythromycin and 50 mg (5%) of benzoyl peroxide in a base of purified water USP, Carbomer Homopolymer Type C, alcohol 20%, sodium hydroxide NF, docusate sodium and fragrance.
The exact mechanism by which erythromycin reduces lesions of acne vulgaris is not fully known; however, the effect appears to be due in part to the antibacterial activity of the drug.
Benzoyl peroxide has a keratolytic and desquamative effect which may also contribute to its efficacy. Benzoyl peroxide has been shown to be absorbed by the skin where it is converted to benzoic acid.