Prescription medicine
Erythromycin Brand names: Ery-Ped, Ery-Tab, Ery; first approved as Erythrocin
Erythromycin (Erythrocin) is a prescription medicine with an FDA approval on record since 1964. FDA's NDC Directory lists it from 38 generic labelers, and pharmacies paid $1.96 per erythromycin 250 mg tablet in the October 7, 2026 NADAC survey.
- Generic listed
Check it at the source: the erythromycin FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 1, 2024, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.); the NDA 50182 record on Drugs@FDA; every erythromycin label on DailyMed.
Highlights of the record
FDA label of August 1, 2024; NDC Directory, Drugs@FDA and Orange Book, October 8, 2026; NADAC October 7, 2026
Used for
From the label: indications and usageTo reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of erythromycin tablets and other antibacterial drugs, erythromycin tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria.
Forms and strengths
- 250 mg
- 333 mg
- 400 mg
- 500 mg
- 5 mg/g
- 20 mg/ml
- 20 mg/g
- 200 mg/5ml
- 400 mg/5ml
- 500 mg/10ml
Film-coated tablet; ointment; delayed-release tablet; suspension; granule for suspension.
On the market
- Earliest approval on file
- June 25, 1964 Erythrocin, Hospira; Drugs@FDA’s file, where older or withdrawn approvals can be missing
- Generic approvals
- 79 first June 24, 1964; 28 with a marketed status in Drugs@FDA
- Labelers listed (NDC)
- 41 of which 38 under generic applications, 4 under brand applications, repackagers included
Supply and safety
- Pharmacy cost (NADAC)
- $1.96 per tablet Erythromycin 250 mg tablet
- Shortage (FDA)
- No current entry
- Recalls by its makers (FDA)
- 2 since 2026 0 Class I among all firms' recalls; latest April 29, 2026
- FAERS reports
- 18,956 through July 30, 2026
What is erythromycin used for?
From the label: indications and usageTo reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria and maintain the effectiveness of erythromycin tablets and other antibacterial drugs, erythromycin tablets should be used only to treat or prevent infections that are proven or strongly suspected to be caused by susceptible bacteria. When culture and susceptibility information are available, they should be considered in selecting or modifying antibacterial therapy. In the absence of such data, local epidemiology and susceptibility patterns may contribute to the empiric selection of therapy. […]
Conditions named in the indications of erythromycin's FDA labels, with every medicine labeled for each:
From other erythromycin labelsBacterial infections: Erythromycin tablets are indicated in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible strains of the designated microorganisms in the diseases listed below:
Acne: INDICATIONS AND USAGE Erythromycin Topical Gel USP, 2% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
FDA pharmacologic class: Macrolide and Macrolide Antimicrobial.
Source: FDA drug label (Erythromycin), Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., effective August 1, 2024 (SPL set 75a0bd5a-d09f-483b-bfd8-f8343b149eb2), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
Is there a generic for erythromycin (Erythrocin)?
The FDA approved the first generic erythromycin on June 24, 1964. 79 generic applications are approved; 28 of them carry a current (not discontinued) marketing status in Drugs@FDA; that status is not evidence that the generic is on sale.
FDA's NDC Directory lists erythromycin from 38 labelers under a generic (ANDA) application and from 4 brand labelers. A listing means the company has registered the product for sale; it does not show that every pharmacy stocks it.
- 1964 earliest approval on file
- 1964 first generic approved
- red ticks recalls
Source: Drugs@FDA, FDA NDC Directory and the Orange Book (openFDA bulk files, October 8, 2026)
What do pharmacies pay for erythromycin (Erythrocin)?
In CMS's NADAC survey of October 7, 2026, pharmacies paid $1.96 per Erythromycin 250 mg tablet, up 12% from $1.75 on October 8, 2025. The chart's scale runs from the lowest to the highest price shown, not from zero. NADAC is what retail pharmacies paid their wholesalers, per unit, in CMS's monthly survey; what a patient pays depends on insurance and the pharmacy.
- Erythromycin 250 mg tablet (generic)
| Strength and form | Brand or generic | Pharmacy cost | 30 tablets, or one pen or vial | 12-month change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ery 2% pads | Generic | $1.23 per unit | n/a | +2% |
| Ery-tablet DR 250 mg tablet | Generic | $1.93 per tablet | $57.75 | -22% |
| Ery-tablet DR 333 mg tablet | Generic | $3.26 per tablet | $97.73 | -10% |
| Ery-tablet DR 500 mg tablet | Generic | $3.11 per tablet | $93.43 | -20% |
| Erythromycin 0.5% eye ointment | Generic | $4.83 per gram | n/a | -4% |
| Erythromycin 2% gel | Generic | $0.678 per gram | n/a | -2% |
| Erythromycin 2% solution | Generic | $0.352 per mL | n/a | -3% |
| Erythromycin 200 mg/5 mL suspension | Generic | $0.912 per mL | n/a | -0.4% |
| Erythromycin 250 mg tablet | Generic | $1.96 per tablet | $58.66 | +12% |
| Erythromycin 400 mg/5 mL suspension | Generic | $1.74 per mL | n/a | -24% |
| Erythromycin 500 mg tablet | Generic | $2.51 per tablet | $75.31 | -13% |
| Erythromycin DR 250 mg capsule | Generic | $5.96 per capsule | $178.80 | -4% |
| Erythromycin DR 250 mg tablet | Generic | $1.93 per tablet | $57.75 | -22% |
| Erythromycin DR 333 mg tablet | Generic | $3.26 per tablet | $97.73 | -10% |
Source: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) survey, October 7, 2026: what retail pharmacies paid per unit; not a counter price
Has erythromycin been recalled?
The FDA's Enforcement Report lists 2 recalls naming erythromycin since 2026: 0 Class I (the most serious), 2 Class II, 0 Class III; 2 still ongoing. A recall names products and lots, not every product of the medicine.
| Started | Class | Company | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 29, 2026 | Class II | Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc | CGMP Deviations; presence of N-Nitroso-Desmethyl-Erythromycin above the recommended acceptable intake limit |
Source: FDA Enforcement Report (drug recalls) via openFDA, through October 8, 2026
What does the erythromycin label say about other medicines?
The erythromycin label names 31 other medicines in its interaction, contraindication or warning sections. The labels of 37 other medicines name erythromycin. The sentences are the labels' own; a label lists what its studies and reports found, not every interaction.
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Alprazolam | drug interactions | Triazolobenzodiazepines (such as triazolam and alprazolam) and related benzodiazepines Erythromycin has been reported to decrease the clearance of triazolam and midazolam, and thus, may increase the pharmacologic effect of these benzodiazepines. |
| Amiodarone | warnings | … significant bradycardia, and in patients receiving Class IA (quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. |
| Amlodipine | warnings | These include colchicine toxicity with colchicine; rhabdomyolysis with simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin; and hypotension with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem) (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). |
| Atorvastatin | warnings | These include colchicine toxicity with colchicine; rhabdomyolysis with simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin; and hypotension with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem) (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). |
| Bromocriptine | drug interactions | There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of erythromycin with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methyl-prednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
| Carbamazepine | drug interactions | There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of erythromycin with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methyl-prednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
| Cilostazol | drug interactions | There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of erythromycin with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methyl-prednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
| Colchicine | drug interactions | A significant increase in colchicine plasma concentration is anticipated when co-administered with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors such as erythromycin. |
| Cyclosporine | drug interactions | There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of erythromycin with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methyl-prednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
| Digoxin | drug interactions | Concomitant administration of erythromycin and digoxin has been reported to result in elevated digoxin serum levels. |
| Dihydroergotamine | contraindications | Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients taking terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). |
| Diltiazem | warnings | These include colchicine toxicity with colchicine; rhabdomyolysis with simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin; and hypotension with calcium channel blockers metabolized by CYP3A4 (e.g., verapamil, amlodipine, diltiazem) (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). |
| Disopyramide | drug interactions | There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of erythromycin with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methyl-prednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
| Dofetilide | warnings | … clinically significant bradycardia, and in patients receiving Class IA (quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. |
Every other medicine the erythromycin label names
| Medicine named | Section | What the label says |
|---|---|---|
| Ergotamine | contraindications | Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients taking terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). |
| Lovastatin | contraindications | Do not use erythromycin concomitantly with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy … |
| Methylprednisolone | drug interactions | … carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methylprednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
| Midazolam | drug interactions | … Erythromycin has been reported to decrease the clearance of triazolam and midazolam, and thus, may increase the pharmacologic effect of these benzodiazepines. |
| Phenytoin | drug interactions | In addition, there have been reports of interactions of erythromycin with drugs not thought to be metabolized by CYP3A, including hexobarbital, phenytoin, and valproate. |
| Pimozide | contraindications | Erythromycin is contraindicated in patients taking terfenadine, astemizole, cisapride, pimozide, ergotamine, or dihydroergotamine (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). |
| Procainamide | warnings | … significant bradycardia, and in patients receiving Class IA (quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. |
| Quinidine | drug interactions | … cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methyl-prednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
| Rifabutin | drug interactions | … cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methyl-prednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
| Sildenafil | drug interactions | Sildenafil (Viagra ® ) Erythromycin has been reported to increase the systemic exposure (AUC) of sildenafil. |
| Simvastatin | contraindications | Do not use erythromycin concomitantly with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) that are extensively metabolized by CYP 3A4 (lovastatin or simvastatin), due to the increased risk of myopathy … |
| Sotalol | warnings | … IA (quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. |
| Tacrolimus | drug interactions | There have been spontaneous or published reports of CYP3A based interactions of erythromycin with cyclosporine, carbamazepine, tacrolimus, alfentanil, disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine … |
| Theophylline | drug interactions | Drug Interactions Theophylline Erythromycin use in patients who are receiving high doses of theophylline may be associated with an increase in serum theophylline levels and potential theophylline … |
| Triazolam | drug interactions | Triazolobenzodiazepines (such as triazolam and alprazolam) and related benzodiazepines Erythromycin has been reported to decrease the clearance of triazolam and midazolam, and thus, may increase the … |
| Verapamil | drug interactions | Hypotension, bradyarrhythmias, and lactic acidosis have been observed in patients receiving concurrent verapamil, belonging to the calcium channel blockers drug class. |
| Vinblastine | drug interactions | … disopyramide, rifabutin, quinidine, methyl-prednisolone, cilostazol, vinblastine, and bromocriptine. |
Other labels that name erythromycin
- Acetaminophen and benzhydrocodone
- Afatinib
- Alpha-tocopherol, asorbic acid and 11 other ingredients
- Aminophylline
- Ascorbic acid
- Avanafil
- Azithromycin
- Bexarotene
- Bosentan
- Brincidofovir
- Budesonide
- Buprenorphine
- Buspirone
- Clarithromycin
- Clozapine
- Cobicistat
- Cobimetinib
- Codeine
- Darifenacin
- Dexamethasone
- Doxercalciferol
- Dronabinol
- Dronedarone
- Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol
- Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol and levomefolate
- Eplerenone
- Estradiol
- Estrogens conjugated
- Fentanyl
- Fesoterodine
- Fingolimod
- Fluconazole
- Fluvastatin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydrocortisone
- Ivacaftor
- Lurasidone
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Moxifloxacin
- Multiple vitamins
- Naldemedine
- Naloxegol
- Nefazodone
- Nifedipine
- Nintedanib
- Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir
- Oxycodone
- Pimecrolimus
- Pitavastatin
- Pravastatin
- Praziquantel
- Propafenone
- Quinine
- Repaglinide
- Rilpivirine
- Risperidone
- Rivaroxaban
- Roflumilast
- Silodosin
- Sirolimus
- Sufentanil
- Tadalafil
- Tamsulosin
- Tramadol
- Vardenafil
- Zafirlukast
- Zaleplon
Source: FDA drug label (Erythromycin), Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., effective August 1, 2024 (SPL set 75a0bd5a-d09f-483b-bfd8-f8343b149eb2), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What do FAERS reports show for erythromycin?
The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System holds 18,956 reports that list erythromycin among the medicines taken, through July 30, 2026, each a report of something that happened, not proof the medicine caused it; 1,709 are coded as a death and 5,040 as a hospital stay. Counts follow how widely a medicine is used and watched, and they are not a measure of how risky it is.
Reports received each year
The most reported reactions
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) via openFDA, reports through July 30, 2026
What else is labeled for the same conditions as erythromycin?
23 other medicines are given the same way (oral) and in the same FDA class as erythromycin or labeled mainly for the same use (bacterial infections), the same class first. Bacterial infections lists all 51 medicines labeled for it, by any route. The first 8 are below. They are listed as records, not as substitutes: whether one can replace another is a prescriber's decision.
| Medicine | Shared indication | Generic labelers (oral) | Pharmacy cost | Shortage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azithromycin | Bacterial infections | 47 labelers | $0.266 per tablet 250 mg tablet | A presentation being discontinued |
| Clarithromycin | Bacterial infections | 26 labelers | $0.466 per tablet 500 mg tablet | No current entry |
| Amoxicillin | Bacterial infections | 38 labelers | $0.0788 per capsule 500 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Cephalexin | Bacterial infections | 36 labelers | $0.120 per capsule 500 mg capsule | No current entry |
| Metronidazole | Bacterial infections | 40 labelers | $0.102 per tablet 250 mg tablet | In shortage |
| Clindamycin | Bacterial infections | 40 labelers | $0.103 per capsule 150 mg capsule | In shortage |
| Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim | Bacterial infections | 42 labelers | $0.0448 per tablet Sulfamethoxazole-tmp ds tablet | No current entry |
| Levofloxacin | Bacterial infections | 35 labelers | $0.259 per tablet 750 mg tablet | No current entry |
Every medicine labeled for the same conditions as erythromycin
Source: FDA drug labels (indications), NDC Directory, NADAC of October 7, 2026, FDA shortages (October 8, 2026)
How does erythromycin compare with medicines for the same use?
17 side-by-side pages set erythromycin beside a medicine whose label shares a use: approvals, generics, pharmacy cost, warnings and supply.
What next?
- Alternatives to erythromycin
- 23 medicines for the same use
- Other macrolides
- the pharmacologic class, with prices and generics
- Erythromycin side effects
- the label's list beside FAERS reports
- Check an interaction
- what two or more labels say about each other