Sign Out
Pharmacology: The mechanism of action of benzoyl peroxide is not totally understood but its antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes is thought to be a major mode of action. In addition, patients treated with benzoyl peroxide show a reduction in lipids and free fatty acids and mild desquamation (drying and peeling activity) with a simultaneous reduction in comedones and acne lesions.
The percutaneous penetration of benzoyl peroxide in rat, rabbit, monkey and man is low. The majority of penetrated benzoyl peroxide is converted into benzoic acid which after absorption in the systemic circulation is rapidly eliminated by the kidney. There is no evidence of any tissue accumulation. There is no evidence that cutaneous application of the proposed clinical doses of Benzac preparations should be associated with any systemic adverse reaction in humans.
