Persol Gel 5% 20 gm (Benzoyl Peroxide)
Uses
Persol Gel 5%- 20 gm, is used to treat acne on face, chest and back. It is also used to treat acne marks, scars, excessive blackheads and dark spots.
How it works
Benzoyl peroxide belongs to the class of medications called as keratolytic agents. It acts by killing the acne causing bacteria thereby preventing the infection. It also has peeling and drying properties.
What is Benzoyl Peroxide?
Benzoyl Peroxide is an anti bacterial drug that is prescribed for the treatment of acne. It also exhibits a mild drying effect that allows excess oils and dirt to be washed away from the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide is marketed and sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Benzagel and Persol (made by Wallace).
Important Information about Benzoyl Peroxide
Do not use Benzoyl Peroxide (Benzagel, Persol) if you have a known allergy to it or if you are also using Tretinoin. Using Benzoyl Peroxide and Tretinoin together can lead to severe skin irritation.
Don’t let Benzoyl Peroxide topical medication get into or come in contact with the delicate parts of your face like eyes, nose, or lips. If they are exposed to the medication accidently, rinse them thoroughly with water to ensure that all medication is washed away.
Do not apply Benzoyl Peroxide on sunburned, wind burned, irritated, dry, peeled, or scaly skin as well as on wounds or eczema affected area. While using Benzoyl Peroxide, avoid irritation causing skin products like harsh soaps, shampoos, skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products that contain alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Benzoyl Peroxide is a bleaching agent and can bleach your hair or clothing if it comes in contact with them. So be careful while handling this medication and don’t let it drop on your hair or clothing. It may take several weeks of using Benzoyl Peroxide before your condition improves. Keep using the medication regularly as prescribed.
Benzoyl Peroxide is an FDA pregnancy category C drug. It is not known if it can harm an unborn baby if taken while being pregnant. It is also not known whether it can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Before using Benzoyl Peroxide
Prior to using Benzoyl Peroxide topical medication (Benzagel, Persol), remember to take the precautions mentioned above. Do discuss them with your doctor. Do not keep any doubts in mind about this medication. Get them cleared with your doctor or your pharmacist.
How should I take Benzoyl Peroxide?
You must use Benzoyl Peroxide topical medication strictly as advised by your doctor or according to the instructions enclosed within the medication package. Apply a small amount of medication after cleaning and drying the affected area properly. Do not cover the medicated area. Always store Benzoyl Peroxide in a cool and dry place. Ensure that your children and pets don’t get access to it.
What if I miss a dose of Benzoyl Peroxide?
If you miss a dose of Benzoyl Peroxide, then take it as soon as you remember but if the time to take the next dose is near, skip the missed dose. Never take extra doses at the same time or near to each other to compensate for the missed dose.
What if I take an overdose of Benzoyl Peroxide?
Get urgent medical attention if you think that you have taken too much Benzoyl Peroxide medication. Overdose symptoms are light hearted feeling, fainting, reduce heart rate, or weakness.
Things and Activities to avoid while taking Benzoyl Peroxide
While using Benzoyl Peroxide, avoid-irritation causing skin products like harsh soaps, shampoos, skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products that contain alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.
Benzoyl Peroxide is a bleaching agent and can bleach your hair or clothing if it comes in contact with them. So be careful while handling this medication and don’t let it drop on your hair or clothing.
Benzoyl Peroxide Side Effects
Some common side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide include mild stinging or burning, itching or tingly feeling, skin dryness, peeling, or flaking, or redness or other irritation. If any of these side effects persist or deteriorate, seek medical attention right away. The side effects thus mentioned are not the only ones which you may experience due to Benzoyl Peroxide. There may be others.
Benzoyl Peroxide Dosing Information
Benzoyl Peroxide dosage depends on various factors like seriousness of the condition, age, s** and a host of other factors. Your doctor may prescribe the suitable dosage of this medication for you after examining your case thoroughly. Strictly stick to the dose regimen as prescribed by your doctor.
Interaction with other drugs
Another acne drug called Tretinoin can interact with Benzoyl Peroxide and cause severe irritation. Hence, avoid using these two medications together. There may be other drugs which can interact with Benzoyl Peroxide although the likelihood of any other interacting drug is minimal. However, you must inform your doctor about any medicines you may be using already.
Expert advice for Persol
• It is normal for your skin condition to worsen for the first 2 to 3 weeks of treatment, do not stop using benzoyl peroxide and consult your doctor if symptoms worsen.
• Avoid exposure to strong sunlight or UV lamps while using benzoyl peroxide. If unavoidable, use a suitable sunscreen lotion and apply benzoyl peroxide in the evening after washing the skin.
• Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, nose (especially mucous lining). In case of accidental contact, rinse thoroughly with warm water.
• Do not apply to damaged skin and exercise caution while applying to the neck and other sensitive areas.
• Exercise caution if benzoyl peroxide is used as concomitant therapy to avoid irritation to skin.
• Avoid contact of benzoyl peroxide gel wash with any coloured material including hair and dyed fabrics as it may result in bleaching or discolouration.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Do not use if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide or any of its ingredients.
Frequently asked questions for Persol
Benzoyl Peroxide Topical
Benzoyl peroxide topical causes bleaching of skin and hair. It does not darken the skin or cause hyperpigmentation, but it should be best to use it under a doctor’s supervision.
Benzoyl peroxide is not a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), antibiotic, retin A or salicylic acid. It is a keratolytic agent with antibacterial actions.
