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
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
 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
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Vitamin
E
Animal studies show that benzoyl peroxide promotes tumour 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
tumour 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
(To view, roll mouse over heading; to hide, click on heading)
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.
Copyright © 2006 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
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disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on
the information in this article.
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company.
Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines
with Vitamins and Herbs
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 chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.
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