Erythromycin
Erythromycin is a topical macrolide antibiotic used to treat acne vulgaris. It works by killing the bacteria that contribute to acne formation and reducing inflammation on the skin.
A topical antibiotic medication that treats acne by reducing acne-causing bacteria.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- D10AF02
- RxNorm
- 4053
- Generic
- Erythromycin
- Class
- atc-d10
- Brands
- Benzamycin, Ery-Tab, Erygel, EryPed, Emgel, Theramycin, Eyemycin, Emcin Clear, Erythrocin, Erythrocin Stearate, Ery, E.E.S., Maracyn
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- B
- Lactation
- safe
- Routes
- topical, ophthalmic, oral
- Forms
- gel, ointment, solution, suspension, capsule, tablet, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesterno specific adjustment
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks
standard prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesterno adjustment needed
can be used when indicated for bacterial infections
standard prenatal monitoring
pregnancy
third trimesterno adjustment needed
use for indicated infections
standard prenatal monitoring
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
monitor infant for GI disturbances including diarrhea and vomiting
observe infant for feeding problems or diarrhea
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyuse lower end of dose range
start at low dose and monitor for adverse effects especially cardiac arrhythmias
monitor cardiac function and liver enzymes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
childrenweight-based dosing
use pediatric formulation and calculate dose based on weight
standard pediatric monitoring
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno dose adjustment needed
standard dosing acceptable
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeconsider dose reduction in severe impairment
use with caution and monitor renal function
close monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse with caution
monitor liver function tests
regular liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severereduce dose or avoid
use only if benefits outweigh risks
frequent liver function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antibiotic classification system
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism of action
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Commonly prescribed since
Prescribing history timeline
Topical treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris (pimples, papules, and pustules). Often used for mild to moderate acne, sometimes in combination with other acne medications.
Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit. This reduces the population of Propionibacterium acnes on the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that help improve acne lesions.
For external cutaneous use only; avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. Common side effects include skin dryness, irritation, and peeling. Bacterial resistance may develop with prolonged use. Effectiveness may be enhanced when combined with benzoyl peroxide.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy