Benzac Ac 5% Gel 30 Gm

BENZAC AC 5% GEL 30 GM

BENZAC AC 5% Gel is a topical medication manufactured by Galderma India Pvt. Ltd., primarily used for the treatment of acne.

• Name

  • Brand Name: BENZAC AC 5% GEL
  • Common Name: Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Gel

• Composition

  • Active Ingredient: Hydrous Benzoyl Peroxide I.P. (equivalent to Anhydrous Benzoyl Peroxide 5% w/w)
  • Inactive Ingredients: Aqueous gel base with Glycerol and Acrylates copolymer, Docusate Sodium, Disodium Edetate, Poloxamer 182, Carbomer 940, Propylene Glycol, Silicon Dioxide, Purified Water, and Sodium Hydroxide (to adjust pH).

• Uses BENZAC AC 5% Gel is prescribed for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris, commonly known as pimples. It acts as an antimicrobial agent that:

  • Kills acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes).
  • Unclogs blocked pores (blackheads and whiteheads).
  • Reduces inflammation associated with acne.
  • Has a mild drying effect, which helps remove excess oils and dirt from the skin.

• Dosage and Administration For external use only.

  1. Wash the affected area with a mild cleanser and water, then pat the skin dry.
  2. Apply a thin film of BENZAC AC 5% Gel to the affected areas once or twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
  3. Initially, it may be applied once daily, left on for 2 hours, and then washed off. If well-tolerated after three days, it can be applied in the evening and left overnight. If no improvement after seven days without significant irritation, apply twice daily (morning and night).
  4. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth, angles of the nose, and other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
  5. Do not apply to sunburned, windburned, dry, irritated, scratched, or damaged skin.

• Side Effects

  • Common: Mild stinging or burning sensation, dry skin, erythema (skin redness), itching, and skin peeling or flaking. These effects are typically mild and may subside within a few days or weeks as the skin adjusts.
  • Serious (Discontinue use and consult a doctor): Severe irritation (severe redness, dryness, itching, stinging/burning), swelling, blistering, crusting, or signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, feeling light-headed, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Precautions

  • Sun Sensitivity: This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. It is crucial to minimize sun exposure, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. If outdoor exposure is unavoidable, consider applying the gel in the evening.
  • Bleaching Properties: Benzoyl Peroxide can bleach hair and dyed fabrics, including clothing, towels, and bed linen. Wash hands thoroughly after application.
  • Other Topical Products: Avoid concurrent use with other topical acne treatments or products that have peeling, drying, or irritant effects unless advised by a doctor, as this may increase skin irritation. Limit the use of products containing high concentrations of alcohol (e.g., astringents, shaving creams, after-shave lotions), hair removal products, or those containing lime or spices.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a doctor if pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding. It should only be used if clearly needed during pregnancy. Caution is advised during breastfeeding, and it should not be applied to the chest to prevent accidental transfer to the infant.
  • Children: Not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

• Storage Store below 25°C. Keep out of reach of children.

What is Benzac AC 5% Gel used for?

Benzac AC 5% Gel is an antibacterial medication primarily used to treat bacterial skin infections like acne (pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads) on the face, chest, or back. It helps manage acne and pimples by targeting acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation in the skin.

How does Benzac AC 5% Gel work?

The gel contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which works as an antibacterial and keratolytic (skin-peeling) agent. When applied to the skin, it decomposes to release oxygen, which kills Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne. It also helps to unclog blocked pores by increasing the turnover rate of epithelial cells, leading to skin peeling and the treatment of comedones. Additionally, it has a mild drying effect that removes excess oils and dirt from the skin. The formulation also includes acrylates copolymer beads to absorb excess oils and glycerol to reduce irritation and maintain skin hydration.

What is the usual dosage for Benzac AC 5% Gel?

Benzac AC 5% Gel is for external use only. It should be applied in a thin layer to the affected areas once or twice daily, or as advised by your doctor or pharmacist. It is generally recommended to clean and dry the affected area before application. In some cases, initial treatment might involve applying it for two hours and then washing it off, gradually increasing to leaving it on overnight. Do not apply it in large amounts or more often than recommended, as this will not yield faster results and may increase the risk of side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Benzac AC 5% Gel?

Common side effects include dry skin, redness (erythema), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, peeling, stinging, swelling, blistering, and rash. These effects are usually mild and temporary, often subsiding as your skin adjusts to the medication. If severe irritation, swelling, or blistering occurs, discontinue use and consult a doctor immediately.

Is Benzac AC 5% Gel safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Benzac AC 5% Gel. While benzoyl peroxide has been in widespread clinical use for acne treatment and has not been associated with harmful effects in humans, it should only be used by pregnant women if clearly needed. For breastfeeding mothers, caution should be exercised, and the gel should not be applied to the chest to avoid accidental exposure to the infant.

Can Benzac AC 5% Gel be taken with other medications?

Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are currently using, including vitamins, before starting Benzac AC 5% Gel. It may interact with other topical medications, especially those with peeling, drying, or irritant effects, or other acne treatments. Applying benzoyl peroxide with topical tretinoin can cause severe skin irritation.

What precautions should be taken when using Benzac AC 5% Gel?

Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth, nose, and other mucous membranes. If accidental contact occurs, rinse the area immediately with water. Do not apply the gel to sunburned, windburned, dry, irritated, scratched, or damaged skin, or open wounds.

The gel can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors, and avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. It has bleaching properties and can bleach hair, colored fabrics, clothing, towels, and bed linen, so wash your hands thoroughly after application and avoid contact with these materials. Limit the use of products containing high amounts of alcohol, hair removal products, and other irritating cosmetics.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Benzac AC 5% Gel, apply it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double amount to make up for the missed dose.

How should Benzac AC 5% Gel be stored?

Store Benzac AC 5% Gel in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, typically below 25°C or 30°C. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. Do not use the medicine if the expiry date has passed.