Acnecide Gel 5%

What is Acnecide gel 5%?

Acnecide is the brand name for a medicine called benzoyl peroxide. It is a topical gel treatment for acne, primarily mild to moderate acne.

This medicine attacks bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes, which is one of the main causes of acne.

You can buy Acnecide gel without needing a prescription from your local pharmacy. It is suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age.

What is Acnecide gel used to treat?

Acnecide gel is a topical skin treatment used to help the appearance of acne affecting the face, chest and back.

Acne is a very common problem that can occur at any age, although it is most likely to occur during puberty and young adulthood. Around 95% of people aged between 11 and 30 suffer from acne to some degree.

This skin condition often goes away on its own over time, but some people find that they need a treatment like Acnecide gel to clear the problem. In some cases, a prescription-strength medicine may be required.

Not only will Acnecide treat your spots, it can also help to prevent blackheads and whiteheads from appearing.

How does Acnecide gel work?

This gel contains the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide 5%, which fights the bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. This bacteria is harmless, but it causes acne by creating waste and fatty acids which irritate your sebaceous glands; this makes them inflamed and creates unsightly spots and zits on your skin.

Benzoyl peroxide's antibacterial properties mean that it is able to target the bacteria and reduce the spots and skin redness associated with acne. This makes for clear skin and a boost in self-confidence.

Who can use Acnecide gel?

Acnecide gel is safe for most adults and children over the age of 12 years old to use, but it is not suitable for everyone.

Before you purchase this medicine, be sure to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:

• You are allergic to benzoyl peroxide, any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine, or any other medicines
• You have broken or damaged skin in the areas you need to apply the gel
• You have severe acne with nodules or cysts; these may need to be treated by a doctor to avoid scarring

Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of reasons why Acnecide may not be suitable for you.

Can you buy Acnecide gel over the counter?

You can buy Acnecide gel from pharmacies without needing a prescription in the UK.

Can you buy Acnecide gel online in the UK?

You can buy Acnecide online from most UK pharmacies such as Medicine Direct.

Order before 2pm and we can offer you next day delivery on your purchase.

For your own safety, you should not order any type of medicine online, unless it is from a regulated pharmacy like Medicine Direct.

Acnecide alternatives

Various alternatives to Acnecide are available for acne treatment.

Medicine Direct also stocks Clearasil Rapid Action Cream, which should be applied to the skin after washing your face. This over-the-counter treatment has been clinically proven to reduce spot size in just four hours.

Prescription treatments are also available from our pharmacy. We also sell topical medicines such as:

• Duac gel
• Dalacin T lotion
• Treclin Gel
• Epiduo gel

View the Acne page on our site to see the full range of treatments available.

Acnecide Gel Dosage

Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE prescribing guidelines when prescribing Acnecide Gel. 

How to use Acnecide gel

Acnecide gel is for external use only.

1. Wash the affected area with a mild skin cleanser, then gently pat the skin dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of the gel to the affected areas of skin once or twice a day. If you have sensitive skin, use Acnecide once a day before bed.
3. If you experience drying or peeling of the skin, try to reduce how often you apply the gel, until your skin gets used to it.

Avoid exposure to strong sunlight while using this treatment.

See your doctor or pharmacist after using Acnecide for one month, so they can see how your treatment is progressing. How long you use Acnecide depends on how quickly your acne improves.

Please see the patient information leaflet for full instructions.

Acnecide Side Effects

As is the case with all medicines, Acnecide gel comes with the risk of certain adverse effects, although not everyone who uses it will experience them.

Common side effects of Acnecide Gel include:

• Dry skin
• Red or peeling skin
• Sting irritation, including burning or peeling

Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of adverse effects associated with Acnecide gel.

In rare cases, it is possible to suffer a serious allergic reaction to this medication. You should stop using it and either go to A&E or call 999 straight away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• You are wheezing
• You have tightness in your chest or throat
• You have a skin rash that is red, itchy, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• You are finding it difficult to speak or breathe
• You have swelling in your lips, mouth, tongue, throat or face

You may require immediate treatment in hospital if you have a serious allergic reaction.

Acnecide Warnings and drug interactions

Certain other medications may irritate your skin if you use them at the same time as Acnecide gel.

It is very important that you inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently taking any other medicines, before you start to use Acnecide. This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.

Do not use Acnecide at the same time as any other treatments that may cause your skin to become dry or irritated. This includes alcohol-based skincare products.

Is it safe to use Acnecide Gel during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

It is normally safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to use Acnecide gel.

However, if you are currently breastfeeding, you should avoid using the treatment on your chest area. You should also make sure you always wash your hands after applying the treatment, before you touch your baby. This will make sure your baby does not come into contact with the treatment.

Before starting a new medication, you should always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are trying to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Acnecide Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Benzoyl peroxide

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics

Acnecide Gel 5% prices UK