Erythromycin / Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzamycin®)

Topical Antibiotic / Topical Antibacterial
Compare To Other Treatments

What Is It?

Often known by its brand name Benzamycin®, this topical treatment is a combination of erythromycin, which is a topical antibiotic that helps slow or stop bacteria growth and reduce skin inflammation, and benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne bacteria and dries/peels the skin.

Efficacy

Strength of Evidence
1
2
3
4
5
Average 58% reduction in acne after 11 weeks
▸ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
▾ Based on These Clinical Studies & Trials
  1. Rallis, E., Verros, C., Katoulis, A. & Katsarou, A. Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide and 3% erythromycin gel: experience with 191 patients with papulopustular acne. Acta Dermatovenerol Croat 21, 160–167 (2013).
  2. Ozolins, M. et al. Comparison of five antimicrobial regimens for treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory facial acne vulgaris in the community: randomised controlled trial. Lancet 364, 2188–2195 (2004).
  3. Gupta, A. K. et al. A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel group study to compare relative efficacies of the topical gels 3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide and 0.025% tretinoin/erythromycin 4% in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris of the face. J Cutan Med Surg 7, 31–37 (2003).
  4. Thiboutot, D. et al. A randomized, parallel, vehicle-controlled comparison of two erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide preparations for acne vulgaris. Clin Ther 24, 773–785 (2002).
  5. Marazzi, P., Boorman, G. C., Donald, A. E. & Davies, H. D. Clinical evaluation of Double Strength Isotrexin versus Benzamycin in the topical treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. J Dermatolog Treat 13, 111–117 (2002).
  6. Jones, T., Mark, L., Monroe, E., Weiss, J. & Levy, S. A multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group study to evaluate 3% erythromycin/5% benzoyl peroxide dual-pouch pack for acne vulgaris. Clin. Drug Investig. 22, 455–462 (2002).
  7. Leyden, J. J. et al. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a combination topical gel formulation of benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin and vehicle gel in the treatments of acne vulgaris. Am J Clin Dermatol 2, 33–39 (2001).
  8. Chu, A., Huber, F. J. & Plott, R. T. The comparative efficacy of benzoyl peroxide 5%/erythromycin 3% gel and erythromycin 4%/zinc 1.2% solution in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Br J Dermatol 136, 235–238 (1997).
  9. Sklar, J., Jacobson, C., Rizer, R. & Gans, E. Evaluation of Triaz 10% Gel and Benzamycin in acne vulgaris. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 7, 147–152 (1996).
  10. Packman, A. M., Brown, R. H., Dunlap, F. E., Kraus, S. J. & Webster, G. F. Treatment of acne vulgaris: combination of 3% erythromycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide in a gel compared to clindamycin phosphate lotion. International Journal of Dermatology 35, 209–211 (1996).
  11. Eady, E. A. et al. The effects of acne treatment with a combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin on skin carriage of erythromycin-resistant propionibacteria. Br J Dermatol 134, 107–113 (1996).
  12. Chalker, D. K., Shalita, A., Smith, J. G. & Swann, R. W. A double-blind study of the effectiveness of a 3% erythromycin and 5% benzoyl peroxide combination in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 9, 933–936 (1983).

Side Effects

Low-Medium
Low-medium side effects and adverse reactions

Acne.org's Real World Take

A more dangerous way of using benzoyl peroxide that studies show works a bit better than benzoyl peroxide alone. However, when used properly, benzoyl peroxide on its own can completely clear the skin without the addition of antibiotics.

Reviews

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3.9
172 Reviews

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