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Topical erythromycin is used to treat acne. Common side effects include skin peeling, itching, or redness. Tell your health care provider right away if you get bloody or watery diarrhea even up to two months after stopping this medicine. Topical erythromycin is available as a gel, pad, and liquid that is applied to the skin.

Uses

What is topical erythromycin used for?

Topical erythromycin is commonly used to treat acne vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common type of acne that causes blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of pimples on your skin. It often appears on the face, chest, shoulders, and back.

Topical erythromycin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does topical erythromycin work (mechanism of action)?

Topical erythromycin is thought to work by stopping the growth of bacteria (germs) that cause acne.

How is topical erythromycin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Ery
  • Erygel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2% gel, pad, and solution that is applied to the skin

How should I store topical erythromycin?

Topical erythromycin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of topical erythromycin?

The most common side effects of topical erythromycin are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Skin peeling, itching, or redness
  • Dry skin
  • Oily skin
  • Burning (topical gel)

There may be other side effects of topical erythromycin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of topical erythromycin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of topical erythromycin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Topical erythromycin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using topical erythromycin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. An overgrowth of germs called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) can happen in your gut with many types of antibiotics, including topical erythromycin. This can cause a condition known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which can happen even up to two months after stopping the antibiotic. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Watery diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that does not go away
  • Blood in your stool (poop)
  • Severe stomach cramps
  • Fever that starts after you start or finish the medicine

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use topical erythromycin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use topical erythromycin.

  • Ery
  • Erygel
  • Erythromycin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific topical erythromycin products they stock.

What should I know about topical erythromycin before using it?

Do not use topical erythromycin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share topical erythromycin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep topical erythromycin out of the reach of children.

Topical erythromycin gel is flammable. Keep away from heat and flames.

Topical erythromycin is only applied to your skin. Do not use the medicine in or on the eyes, mouth, lips, or vagina. 

Before applying topical erythromycin, wash the skin, rinse with warm water, and pat it dry.

If your skin becomes dry, peeling, or irritated while using topical erythromycin, tell your health care provider. They may tell you to use this medicine less often.

Keep all follow-up appointments with your health care provider, so they can monitor your progress.

What should I tell my health care provider before using topical erythromycin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if topical erythromycin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Topical erythromycin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using topical erythromycin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how topical erythromycin could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if topical erythromycin passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use topical erythromycin while breastfeeding.

 

Interactions

Does topical erythromycin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between topical erythromycin and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between topical erythromycin and alcohol.

Does topical erythromycin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using topical erythromycin.

  • Clindamycin (Cleocin and others), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Any other skin or acne products

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with topical erythromycin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much topical erythromycin?

If you or someone else has used too much topical erythromycin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of topical erythromycin?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.