benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone

Action and Spectrum

Actions and spectrum: 

benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone are two different medications used for different purposes: 

benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication commonly used to treat acne. It has antibacterial properties that can kill the bacteria that contribute to the development of acne. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide can help to reduce inflammation and remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the pores, which can contribute to the development of acne. 

hydrocortisone is a topical steroid medication that is commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve itching, and redness associated with various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

hydrocortisone 

• Allergic contact dermatitis 
• Burning 
• Folliculitis 
• Hypopigmentation 
• Irritation 
• Perioral dermatitis 
• Striae 
• Acneform eruptions 
• Skin atrophy 
• Dryness 
• Hypertrichosis 
• Itching 
• Miliaria 
• Secondary infection 

benzoyl Peroxide 

• Contact dermatitis 
• Erythema 
• Peeling 
• Irriation 
• Dryness 
• Stinging 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

• Hypersensitivity to benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone, or any other component of the formulation. 
• Bacterial, fungal, or viral infections of the skin without concurrent anti-infective therapy. 
• Acne rosacea or perioral dermatitis. 
• Cutaneous tuberculosis. 
• Skin atrophy. 
• Infants less than 3 months of age.

Caution: 

• Hypersensitivity: Individuals who are hypersensitive to benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone, or any other ingredients in the medication should not use it. 
• Skin irritation: benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone may cause skin irritation, redness, dryness, or peeling.  
• Sun sensitivity: benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Individuals should avoid excessive sun exposure and use protective clothing and sunscreen when using the medication. 
• Eye contact: benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone should be kept away from the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes, as contact with these areas can cause irritation. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using the medication in these situations.

Comorbidities: 

benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone are topical medications commonly used for the treatment of acne and skin inflammation, respectively. While there are no specific comorbidities that preclude their use, caution should be exercised in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the medication, as well as in those with a history of skin sensitivity or allergic reactions to other topical medications. Additionally, patients with eczema or other chronic skin conditions may need to be monitored closely for worsening of their condition with the use of hydrocortisone. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: pregnancy category C   

Lactation: It is also not known whether benzoyl peroxide/hydrocortisone is excreted in human milk.  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: There is no evidence of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for an effect in humans, care must be taken for potential risks in pregnant women. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite potential risks may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits These category drugs should be prohibited for pregnant women. 
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

benzoyl peroxide acts by reducing the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin. It is also keratolytic, meaning it can break down and remove dead skin cells, which can help to unclog pores and reduce the formation of new acne lesions. 

hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid that works by reducing inflammation and itching. It is thought to work by suppressing the immune response and reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the skin. 

When used together, benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone can help to treat inflammatory acne by reducing the number of bacteria on the skin and reducing inflammation and irritation.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

benzoyl peroxide acts by reducing the amount of sebum produced by the sebaceous glands, which in turn helps to unclog pores. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide can also kill Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium that contributes to the development of acne. 

hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that works by suppressing inflammation and reducing redness, itching, and swelling. It does this by inhibiting the production of various inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. By reducing inflammation, hydrocortisone can help to alleviate the symptoms of various skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

benzoyl peroxide: 

Absorption 

After topical application, benzoyl peroxide penetrates the skin and is absorbed into the systemic circulation in small amounts. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, benzoyl peroxide is rapidly metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine. 

Metabolism 

Benzoyl peroxide is metabolized to benzoic acid, which is then conjugated with glycine to form hippuric acid. 

Elimination and excretion 

Benzoyl peroxide and its metabolites are excreted in the urine.  

hydrocortisone: 

Absorption 

Topical hydrocortisone is absorbed through the skin into the systemic circulation. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, hydrocortisone is distributed to the tissues and binds to plasma proteins. 

Metabolism 

hydrocortisone is metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites that are excreted in the urine. 

Elimination and excretion 

hydrocortisone and its metabolites are excreted in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone are available in different forms for topical administration, such as creams, lotions, gels, and foams. The exact instructions for use will depend on the specific product and condition being treated. The affected area should be washed and dried before applying the medication.

It should be applied as directed and rubbed in gently, avoiding contact with the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. The frequency of application and duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the condition and the specific product being used. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone 

Pronounced: (BEN-zoe-il per-OX-ide-and-hye-dro-KOR-ti-zone)  

Why do we use benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone? 

benzoyl peroxide and hydrocortisone are often used in combination to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as acne vulgaris. benzoyl peroxide works by killing bacteria that can cause acne, reducing inflammation and helping to clear blocked pores.

hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid, helps to reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne. The combination of these two medications can be effective in reducing the severity of acne breakouts.