Benzamycin

This drug is a combination of two active ingredients, benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin, which are applied topically to treat mild to moderate acne. Benzoyl peroxide breaks down and removes the outer layer of skin and exerts antibacterial activity. Erythromycin is used as an antibacterial agent.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

May be Beneficial: Side effect reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.	Vitamin E*
May be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication work better.	Zinc
Depletion or interference	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known
Adverse interaction	None known

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Vitamin E
Animal studies show that benzoyl peroxide promotes tumor growth, yet the significance of this finding in humans is unknown. A test tube study showed that when exposed to vitamin E, human skin cells were more resistant to damage caused by benzoyl peroxide.¹ Controlled research is needed to determine whether use of benzoyl peroxide products by humans promotes tumor growth and whether vitamin E might prevent this damage.

Zinc
Using a topical zinc solution with topical erythromycin increases the effectiveness of the antibiotic in the treatment of inflammatory acne.²

References

1. Babich H, Zucherbraun HL, Wurzburger BJ, et al. Benzoyl peroxide cytotoxicity evaluated in vitro with human keratinocyte cell line, RHEK-1. Toxicology 1996;106:187–96.

2. Toyoda M, Morohashi M. An overview of topical antibiotics for acne treatment. Dermatology 1998;196:130–4.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires July 2004.