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benzamycin

Pharmaranks rates Benzamycin 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Benzamycin is a combination medicine containing Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin.

Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin · by Valeant Pharm Intl

70/100Limited · 1 source

Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 18, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin
Form
Kit
Strength
Benzoyl Peroxide 5%; Erythromycin 3%
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Valeant Pharm Intl
What the pharmacy pays
~$0.05 per gm — not your price
FDA application
NDA050557

What is Benzamycin?

From the FDA label:Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel contains erythromycin [(3R*,4S*,5S*,6R*,7R*,9R*,11R*,12R*,13S*,14R*)-4-[(2,6-Dideoxy-3- C -methyl-3- O -methyl-α-L- ribo -hexopyranosyl)-oxy]-14-ethyl-7,12,13-trihydroxy-3,5,7,9,11,13-hexamethyl-6-[[3,4,6-trideoxy-3-(dimethylamino)-β-D- xylo -hexopyranosyl]oxy] oxacyclotetradecane-2,10-dione]. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic produced from a strain of Saccharopolyspora erythraea (formerly Streptomyces erythreus ). It is a base and readily forms salts with acids. Chemically erythromycin is C 37 H 67 NO 13 . It has the following structural formula: Erythromycin has the molecular weight of 733.94. It is a white crystalline powder and has a solubility of approximately 1 mg/mL in water and is soluble in alcohol at 25°C. Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel also contains benzoyl peroxide for topical use. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial and keratolytic agent. Chemically benzoyl peroxide is C 14 H 10 O 4 . It has the following structural formula: Benzoyl peroxide has the molecular weight of 242.23. It is a white granular powder and is sparingly soluble in water and alcohol and soluble in acetone, chloroform and ether. Each gram of Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel contains, as dispensed, 30 mg (3%) of erythromycin and 50 mg (5%) of benzoyl peroxide in a base of purified water USP, Carbomer Homopolymer Type C, alcohol…

How to use

Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel should be applied twice daily, morning and evening, or as directed by a physician, to affected areas after the skin is thoroughly washed, rinsed with warm water and gently patted dry.

Side effects

In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel was approximately 3%. These were dryness and urticarial reaction. The following additional local adverse reactions have been reported occasionally: irritation of the skin including peeling, itching, burning sensation, erythema, inflammation of the face, eyes and nose, and irritation of the eyes. Skin discoloration, oiliness and tenderness of the skin have also been reported. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Oceanside Pharmaceuticals, at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Warnings

Important safety information

Pseudomembranous colitis has been reported with nearly all antibacterial agents, including erythromycin, and may range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who present with diarrhea subsequent to the administration of antibacterial agents. Treatment with antibacterial agents alters the normal flora of the colon and may permit overgrowth of clostridia. Studies indicate that a toxin produced by Clostridium difficile is one primary cause of “antibiotic-associated colitis.” After the diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis has been established, therapeutic measures should be initiated. Mild cases of pseudomembranous colitis usually respond to drug discontinuation alone. In moderate to severe cases, consideration should be given to management with fluids and electrolytes, protein supplementation and treatment with an antibacterial drug clinically effective against C. difficile colitis.

Who should not take Benzamycin

Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel is contraindicated in those individuals who have shown hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Dosage forms

Kit

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

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Frequently asked questions

How is Benzamycin rated?
pharmaranks gives Benzamycin a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
How much does Benzamycin cost?
Nobody can tell you what you will pay — your price is set by your insurer's formulary, your deductible and the pharmacy's markup, and none of those are published. What IS published is what the pharmacy paid to acquire it: about $0.05 per gm, per the CMS NADAC survey. Treat that as the floor, not the quote — ask the pharmacist for the cash price as well as your copay, because for cheap generics the cash price often wins.
Is there a coupon or discount for Benzamycin?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Benzamycin. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Benzamycin?
Benzamycin is marketed by Valeant Pharm Intl. You can see Valeant Pharm Intl's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Benzamycin a brand-name or generic drug?
Benzamycin is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Benzoyl Peroxide and Erythromycin.
Is Benzamycin available over the counter?
No. Benzamycin is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Benzamycin come in?
Benzamycin is currently marketed as kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Benzamycin FDA-registered?
Benzamycin is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA050557. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Has Benzamycin been recalled by the FDA?
Benzamycin has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
Is Benzamycin safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Benzamycin a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Benzamycin?
Benzamycin's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: In controlled clinical trials, the incidence of adverse reactions associated with the use of Erythromycin-Benzoyl Peroxide Topical Gel was approximately 3%. These were dryness and urticarial reaction.… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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benzamycin

70/100