Cleanse & Treat

Generic Name: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical (BEN zoe il per OX ide and sal i SIL ik A sid)

Brand Names: Cleanse & Treat, Inova 4/1, Inova 8/2

What is Cleanse & Treat (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical)?

Benzoyl peroxide has an antibacterial effect. It also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oil and dirt to be washed away.

Salicylic acid is a peeling agent that causes shedding of the outer layer of skin.

The combination of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid is used to treat severe acne.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Cleanse & Treat (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide (Benzagel, Clear by Design, Fostex, Oxy-10, Panoxyl, and others) or to salicylic acid (aspirin, Compound W, Duofilm, Stri-Dex, and others).

This medication is not for use in treating mild forms of acne. The strength of benzoyl peroxide contained in this medication is higher than that used in many over-the-counter acne products. Severe skin irritation can result from improper use of this product.

Do not share this medication with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms you do. Do not use this medication on anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using Cleanse & Treat (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to benzoyl peroxide (Benzagel, Clear by Design, Fostex, Oxy-10, Panoxyl, and others) or to salicylic acid (aspirin, Compound W, Duofilm, Stri-Dex, and others).

Before using benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

This medication is not for use in treating mild forms of acne. The strength of benzoyl peroxide contained in this medication is higher than that used in many over-the-counter acne products. Severe skin irritation can result from improper use of this product.

Do not share this medication with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms you do. Do not use this medication on anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

How should I use Cleanse & Treat (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical)?

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Apply the medicated pad to clean, dry skin. Use only mild skin cleansers or those your doctor has prescribed.

This medication can bleach or discolor fabric, hair, or other surfaces it comes in contact with. Use with care to avoid damaging colored surfaces.

If this medication causes skin irritation, apply a cool compress to your skin (such as a washcloth wet with cold water) and call your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep each medicated pad in its foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medication as soon as you remember the missed dose. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Symptoms of a benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid overdose may include scaly or peeling skin, redness, or swelling.

What should I avoid while using Cleanse & Treat (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical)?

Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. Do not use other medicated skin products unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If it does get into any of these areas, wash with water. Do not use benzoyl peroxide topical on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, irritated, or broken skin.

Cleanse & Treat (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have severe skin irritation.

Less serious side effects may include dry skin or mild irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Cleanse & Treat (benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid topical)?

There may be other drugs that can interact with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Cleanse & Treat resources

• Cleanse & Treat Side Effects (in more detail)
• Cleanse & Treat Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Cleanse & Treat Drug Interactions
• Cleanse & Treat Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Cleanse & Treat - Add your own review/rating

Compare Cleanse & Treat with other medications

• Acne

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

See also: Cleanse & Treat side effects (in more detail)