Long COVID Patterns in the RECOVER-Adult Study
November 21, 2025
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Brand Name :
Desquam-X, NeoBenz Micro, Neutrogena Benzyl Peroxide Lotion, Riax, Epsolay, Clean and Clear Gel
Synonyms :
benzyl peroxide
Class :
Acne Agents; Topical
Dosage forms & Strengths:
Topical gel
2.5%
4%
5%
8%
10%
Topical lotion
2.5%
3.5%
7%
Bar
10%
Topical Cream
2.5%
5%
5.5%
6%
7%
10%
Topical Foam
5.3%
5.5%
9.5%
Topical Gel Cleanser
2.6%
Topical Wash
2.5%
3%
3.7%
4%
4.25%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
Apply a small amount of cream onto the affected skin
Dosage forms & Strengths:
Topical gel
2.5%
4%
5%
8%
10%
Topical lotion
2.5%
3.5%
7%
Bar
10%
Topical Cream
2.5%
5%
5.5%
6%
7%
10%
Topical Foam
5.3%
5.5%
9.5%
Topical Gel Cleanser
2.6%
Topical Wash
2.5%
3%
3.7%
4%
4.25%
5%
6%
7%
8%
9%
10%
Apply the product onto the affected skin twice or thrice daily
benzyl peroxide decreases the efficacy of isotretinoin
Acne vulgaris is a condition that is attributed to inflammation in the pilosebaceous gland. Generally, it is due to overproduction of sebum, hormonal influences, accumulation of keratin in follicles, bacterial action and inflammation. These factors play various roles in the formation of comedones or whiteheads and blackheads.
Benzoyl peroxide functions by breaking its peroxide bond in a process that results in the formation of two benzoyloxy radicals. These radicals derive and react non-specifically with proteins from bacteria, inactivating and killing them in the process. They decrease keratin and sebum production and limit the interactions that occur with the follicle over time.
Also, the other activities which benzoyl peroxide have include – it stimulates the renewal rate of the epithelial cells causing peeling of the skin and dissolution of comedones.
Frequency Undefined
Erythema
Skin Dryness
Peeling
Contact Dermatitis
Black Box Warning
None
Contraindication /Caution
Hypersensitivity
Pregnancy/Lactation
Pregnancy consideration:
Pregnancy Category: C
Breastfeeding warnings: No data is available regarding the excretion of the drug in breast milk.
Pregnancy category:
Pharmacology
It works through the production of active oxygen which has in vitro activity against Propionibacterium acnes, an anaerobic bacterium isolated from sebaceous comedones. Further, it also possesses some keratolytic and desquamative effects that could help in the treatment.
Pharmacodynamics
Benzoyl peroxide is another topical treatment applied for acne that forms free radicals to dissolve black headed comedo and stimulate keratinocytes proliferation. It has short duration of action because; its active free radical metabolites are rapidly reduced to inactive forms. It has a large therapeutic window and there are very few reports of overdose but patients may develop ‘red skin’ or skin that starts to peel. It is important to inform the patients about the elevated chance of skin reactions, dryness, and sunburns.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
In excised skin, 1.9% of a radiolabelled topical dose fully penetrates, with 2.6 % which is accumulated in the skin. The absorbed portion is recovered as benzoic acid while the portion in the skin is half benzoic acid and benzoyl peroxide. After 8 hours, 95.5% has been estimated that the radiolabelled dose is not absorbed and is not metabolized.
Distribution
Not available
Metabolism
Benzoyl peroxide is metabolized by scission of the peroxide link to produce two benzoyloxy free radicals. These radicals can either with other molecules to from benzoic acid or undergo other reactions to form carbon dioxide and a phenyl radical.
Elimination/excretion
The metabolite which is benzoic acid is excreted in the urine. There is lack of information on fecal elimination.
Administration
It is administered topically in the form of lotion
Patient information leaflet
Generic Name: benzyl peroxide
Pronounced: ben-zyl per-ox-ide
Why do we use benzyl peroxide?
Benzoyl peroxide is mainly administered in acne vulgaris because it possesses antibacterial and keratolytic properties. It works in that it destroys the acne causing bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes and helps to lessen inflammation.
Moreover, benzoyl peroxide contributes to the elimination of the blockage of the pores through the removal of dead skin cells. However, it is also used in other conditions like seborrheic dermatitis which is an inflammation of the skin that appears as a red rash with flaky surface; this medication may be used in conjunction with other treatments for rosacea for cases that have acne like manifestations. It can also be used in a preventive measure in cases where there is a likelihood that the skin is likely to break out into acnes after skin procedures.
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