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POM-V Prescription Required Companion Animal

Paxcutol 2.5875% w/v Shampoo

Active ingredients: Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydrous

Form

Shampoo

Species

Dogs

Manufacturer

Virbac

VMD MA No.

05653/4018

What it's used for

For the treatment of canine skin disease where bacterial infection and/or seborrhoea are involved.

Full indications, dosage and side effects ↓
View official SPC (PDF)

The prescription itself has a price. See what practices near you charge for a consultation and the written prescription fee.

Paying less for Benzoyl Peroxide + Hydrous

  1. 1

    Ask your vet for a written prescription

    They must provide one on request. Under the CMA Order the fee is capped at £21 from 2027.

  2. 2

    Fill it at a registered online retailer

    The CMA found online pharmacies 50–60% cheaper than practice dispensing on common medicines — typically £200–£300 a year.

Prescription required

Your vet must provide a written prescription on request. You can then purchase from any licensed online retailer.

Clinical information

Paxcutol 2.5875% w/v Shampoo — SPC Details

Source: VMD Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC). Last updated 26 Mar 2026.

For the treatment of canine skin disease where bacterial infection and/or
seborrhoea are involved.
None
Dogs may show signs of sensitivity to the shampoo.
Should irritation or skin inflammation occur, treatment should be
discontinued.
Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

i. Special precautions for use in animals
For external use only.
Avoid contact with dog’s eyes and mucous membranes during treatment.
ii. Special precautions to be taken by the person administering the veterinary
medicinal product to animals
Impervious gloves should be worn at all times when applying the product.
Irritant: irritation to skin and eyes.
Avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes.

Revised: 08 September 2009
AN: 02108/2008
Remove any splashes with plenty of water and in case of contact with
eyes, seek medical advice.
When using the product, do not eat, drink or smoke.
Wash hands after use.
iii. Other precautions
Old clothes should be worn when applying the shampoo as contact
may damage some fabrics.
None Known
Do not store above 25°C.
Protect from light.

Revised: 08 September 2009
AN: 02108/2008
Not applicable
5. PHARMACOLOGICAOL PROPERTIES
ATC vet: QD11AX10

Revised: 08 September 2009
AN: 02108/2008
Paxcutol Shampoo is an antibacterial and keratolytic preparation for use on dogs.
It contains as active ingredient 2.5875 % w/v benzoyl peroxide, and oxidating
substance.
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Benzoyl peroxide, when applied on the skin, decomposes releasing benzoyl
peroxy radicals and nascent oxygen, after interacting with biological substances,
thermal variation and ultra-violet exposure. When the free radicals are formed,
reactions such as interactions with (-OH) hydroxyl and (-SH) sulfhydryl groups,
double bonds and aromatic compounds occur. The results of these interactions
disrupt the membranes of bacterial cells, altering permeability of the membrane
and, subsequently, the function of the cell. It is therefore indicated for the
treatment of topical ailments involving bacterial infections. Additionally, benzoyl
peroxide reduces the activity of seborrheic glands, contributing to resolving
seborrhoeic conditions.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties

Benzoyl peroxide reacts rapidly with cysteine, an integral amino acid contained in
keratin. In reacting with cysteine, benzoyl peroxide is rapidly reduced to benzoic
acid and various benzoate salts which do not penetrate the skin and are
biologically harmless. The interaction of benzoyl peroxide with skin is usually of
no untoward consequence.

This information is sourced from the official Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) published by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). It is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before administering any medication.

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