erythromycin topical
Brand names: Erygel
Erythromycin topical solution is a medicine that you put on your skin to treat acne. It contains an antibiotic to help clear up acne.
What it does
This medicine treats acne vulgaris, a common skin condition.
Common side effects
Peeling skin, Dry skin, Itching
Key warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
How It Works
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause acne. This helps to reduce inflammation and clear up your skin.
How to Take It
Apply this solution to the affected areas twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Before applying, wash your skin with warm water and soap, then pat it dry. Use the applicator top to apply the medicine. If you use your fingertips, wash your hands afterward.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
It is not known if this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this medicine.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C). Keep the container tightly closed.
Serious Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Common Questions
What is erythromycin topical solution used for?
How often should I apply this medicine?
Can I use this if I'm allergic to antibiotics?
What should I do if my skin becomes too dry?
Can I use this on any part of my body?
Do I need a prescription for this medicine?
What should I do if I get this in my eyes?
Can I use other acne treatments with this?
How long will it take to see results?
What are the ingredients in this medicine?
What are the common side effects of erythromycin topical?
What drug class is erythromycin topical?
Is erythromycin topical safe during pregnancy?
Related Medications in Topical Antibiotic
Other drugs grouped near erythromycin topical — same-class peers and common alternatives.
adapalene
Differin
Adapalene and benzoyl peroxide gel is a medicine used on the skin to treat acne.
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apremilast
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azelaic acid
Finacea, Azelex
Azelaic acid gel is a topical medicine that helps treat rosacea.
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benzoyl peroxide
Benzac, PanOxyl
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medicine that fights germs on your skin.
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betamethasone
Diprosone, Luxiq
Betamethasone dipropionate cream is a strong steroid medicine used on the skin.
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What the FDA Data Shows for erythromycin topical
The FDA label for erythromycin topical (sold under brand names such as Erygel) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Topical Antibiotic class. This medicine treats acne vulgaris, a common skin condition. Official labeling lists 5 commonly reported side effects, including Peeling skin, Dry skin, Itching.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. Voluntary reports accumulate over the lifetime of a drug and reflect wide-ranging clinical use. Interaction data is drawn directly from FDA-approved prescribing information. Acquisition-cost data is surveyed weekly by CMS and updated as manufacturers report changes.
Report counts do not establish causation — a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice — always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: August 14, 2024
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book — approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed — NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) — post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm — standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files — federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database — current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages