Interaction of topical sulfacetamide and topical dapsone with benzoyl peroxide.
BACKGROUND
A recent study demonstrated evidence of a yellow-orange discoloration of the skin and hair when topical dapsone gel was combined with benzoyl peroxide. This phenomenon had previously been observed by one of us (A.B.F.) when sulfasalazine was combined with benzoyl peroxide. To investigate these interaction phenomena, topical dapsone gel and sulfacetamide sodium lotion were combined with various topical acne treatments, including benzoyl peroxides, clindamycin phosphate, and retinoids.


METHODS
Products containing benzoyl peroxide produced an orange-brown discoloration when mixed with either sulfacetamide or dapsone.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the chemical reaction between benzoyl peroxide and sulfacetamide and dapsone will help minimize the occurrence of this interaction on our patients' skin.
Dubina
Meghan I
MI
Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1071, USA.
Fleischer
Alan B
AB
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003622:Dapsone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013409:Sulfacetamide / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D013409:Sulfacetamide; D003622:Dapsone; D001585:Benzoyl Peroxide