Erythromycin Topical

Erythromycin Topical is a prescription medication used for the treatment of acne vulgaris. 

• Erythromycin Topical is available under the following different brand names: AkneMycin, Ery, Emgel, Erygel

Common side effects of Erythromycin Topical include:

• Skin itching, redness, burning, or peeling; or
• Dry or oily skin.

Serious side effects of Erythromycin Topical include:

• Hives. 
• Difficult breathing. 
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Severe burning, 
• Stinging, or redness.
• Oozing or other signs of skin infection.
• Worsening skin condition. 
• Severe stomach pain, or watery or bloody diarrhea (even if it occurs months after your last dose).

Rare side effects of Erythromycin Topical include:

• None 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors;
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out. 

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult dosage

Topical ointment (AkneMycin)

• 2%

Topical pads (Ery)

• 2%

Topical solution

• 2%

Topical gel

• 2%

Acne Vulgaris

Adult dosage

• Apply topically two times a day (morning and evening) to the affected areas after the skin is thoroughly washed and patted dry

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Erythromycin Topical has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Topical has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Topical has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs.
• Erythromycin Topical has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs.

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all your products. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, or if you have health questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Erythromycin Topical?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Erythromycin Topical?”

Cautions

• For external use only, avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Concomitant topical acne therapy may result in cumulative irritation, especially with the use of peeling, desquamating, or abrasive agents; if this occurs, discontinue, and seek medical advice.
• Although limited systemic absorption occurs with topical erythromycin, antibiotics may be associated with the overgrowth of no susceptible organisms; if this occurs, discontinue use and contact the physician

Pregnancy and Lactation

• May be acceptable during pregnancy.
• Lactation
  • Unknown if excreted in breast milk; use with caution.