Prescription medication · Topical Antibiotic

erythromycin topical

Name: erythromycin topical - FDA Drug Safety & Adverse Event Data
Creator: PlainMeds
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

Also sold as Erygel. This medicine treats acne vulgaris, a common skin condition.

Compiled by PlainMeds Editorial, Drug Information Editorial Team

Data updated 2026-05-15

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erythromycin topical (Erygel) is a prescription Topical Antibiotic. This medicine treats acne vulgaris, a common skin condition.

Erythromycin topical solution is a medicine that you put on your skin to treat acne. It contains an antibiotic to help clear up acne.

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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.

The sections below are summarized in plain English from erythromycin topical's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.

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.

This is a plain-language summary of erythromycin topical's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.

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.

This is a plain-language summary of erythromycin topical's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.

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.

This is a plain-language summary of erythromycin topical's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.

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?

It is used to treat acne.

How often should I apply this medicine?

Apply it twice a day, morning and evening.

Can I use this if I'm allergic to antibiotics?

You should not use it if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

What should I do if my skin becomes too dry?

Reduce how often you apply the medicine.

Can I use this on any part of my body?

Yes, you can use it on your face, neck, shoulders, chest, and back.

Do I need a prescription for this medicine?

Yes, erythromycin topical solution requires a prescription from your doctor.

What should I do if I get this in my eyes?

Rinse your eyes thoroughly with water.

Can I use other acne treatments with this?

Talk to your doctor before using other acne treatments with this medicine.

How long will it take to see results?

It may take several weeks to see improvement in your acne.

What are the ingredients in this medicine?

Each mL contains 20 mg of erythromycin, alcohol (66%), citric acid, and propylene glycol.

What are the common side effects of erythromycin topical?

The most commonly reported side effects of erythromycin topical include Peeling skin, Dry skin, Itching, Redness, Oily skin. Always consult your healthcare provider about potential side effects.

What drug class is erythromycin topical?

erythromycin topical belongs to the Topical Antibiotic drug class. It requires a prescription (Rx). This medicine treats acne vulgaris, a common skin condition.

Is erythromycin topical safe during pregnancy?

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. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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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.

Data currency: FDA FAERS adverse-event reports through 2025, CMS NADAC acquisition-cost pricing effective December 2024, compiled and last refreshed May 2026. See our methodology for per-source dates and refresh cadence. Spot a figure that looks wrong? Report a correction.

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